Napoli Falls to Torino as Former Star Simeone Scores Sole Goal After Late VAR Drama
Napoli faced a disappointing defeat against Torino in Serie A, with a final score of 1-0. Former Napoli player Giovanni Simeone scored the only goal of the match on October 18, 2025, effectively sealing Napoli’s fate.
Late VAR Drama Stunts Napoli’s Comeback
In the dying moments of the game, Napoli’s Noa Lang thought he had equalized, scoring in stoppage time. His celebration, however, was cut short when the video assistant referee ruled his goal offside, leading to frustration among Napoli fans.
Match Overview
- Location: Turin, Italy
- Date: October 18, 2025
- Final Score: Napoli 0 – 1 Torino
- Key Player: Giovanni Simeone (Torino)
Simeone’s goal came after a fortunate ricochet allowed him to evade the offside trap. He skillfully maneuvered past the Torino goalkeeper, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, to score the decisive goal. Notably, Simeone did not celebrate his score, reflecting his past connection with Napoli, where he played a pivotal role in their 2023 Serie A title win.
Impact of Injuries on Napoli
Napoli’s struggles this season have been exacerbated by injuries to key players. Romelu Lukaku, Stanislav Lobotka, Amir Rrahmani, Scott McTominay, and Rasmus Hojlund were all sidelined, impacting the team’s performance and strategy.
Notable Moments
Torino nearly took the lead earlier in the match, with Nikola Vlasic hitting the far post in the 15th minute. During the second half, when Simeone was substituted in the 62nd minute, both sets of fans showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.
This match marked Napoli’s second loss of the season, while it brought Torino their second win, previously defeating top-of-the-table Roma. The standings in Serie A remain tight, with Napoli now hoping to bounce back from this setback.
Overall Standings
- Napoli: 2nd place, facing increasing pressure
- Torino: 5th place, gaining momentum
- Upcoming Matches: Roma aims to extend their lead over Napoli later in the season
This match serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of Serie A and emphasizes the importance of player fitness and cohesion on the field.
