Akor Adams scored the only goal on Saturday as Venezia beat Napoli 1-0 for their first Serie A win of the season, ending a run of six straight league defeats.
The goal came four minutes into the second half, in the 49th minute. Simon Sohm sent a long ball forward, a Napoli defender made a mistake, and Adams reached the ball first and drove a shot past Alex Meret. No assist was credited.
Napoli had a chance to equalise in the 68th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Kevin De Bruyne took it, but Filip Stanković saved it and Venezia held on.
It was a good start for new coach Davide Nicola, who replaced Giovanni Stroppa earlier in the week and won his first game in charge. Nicola praised Adams after the match for his commitment and said he has plenty of room to improve.
Adams thanked the fans for sticking with the team and said the coach had asked for more intensity and better teamwork in defence and transition.
Venezia had been the only side in Serie A without a point. They are still near the bottom of the table and visit Genoa next.
Napoli have now lost back-to-back matches after their Champions League defeat to Villarreal, and have lost three of their seven league games.
The goal is Adams’ second in the league this season. Last week he played in a 3-1 loss to Atalanta, and before that he scored a late equaliser for the Super Eagles against Russia.
A winner against one of Italy’s biggest sides will help his confidence heading into the November qualifiers.
Venezia travel to Genoa, where they will try to turn one win into a run of results.
