Napoli: Napoli snatched a dramatic victory with virtually the last kick of the game, defeating a resilient Cagliari 1-0 in their first home Serie A match of the season. Andr©-Frank Zambo Anguissa was the hero, meeting Stanislav Lobotka’s low cross with a superb first-time finish deep into the 95th minute to spark wild celebrations along the home bench and throughout the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

According to Oman News Agency, the reigning champions had been frustrated for large periods by a disciplined Cagliari side, dominating 62.5% of the first-half possession and registering 17 touches in the opposition area but failing to break through a stubborn defensive block. Their best opportunity before the break came when Scott McTominay, starting on the left wing for the second consecutive match, skipped through multiple challenges only to be denied by goalkeeper Elia Caprile.

McTominay, named on the Ballon d’Or shortlist and lining up alongside former Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in his first home start since joining Napoli, came close again in the second half with a spectacular overhead kick that was deflected wide. Full-back Leonardo Spinazzola also forced a sharp save from Caprile as the hosts intensified the pressure.

Just as it seemed Napoli would have to settle for a frustrating draw, Lobotka – on his 200th appearance for the club – delivered a perfect cross into the path of Anguissa, who applied a clinical finish to secure all three points. The result means Napoli join Cremonese and Roma at the top of the Italian Serie A table with a perfect record from their opening two matches.