Napoli looked set to become Serie A champions on Sunday, but Boulaye Dia and Salernitana had other ideas.
Napoli missed a chance to seal their first Serie A title in 33 years as Boulaye Dia’s sensational equaliser earned a 1-1 draw for Salernitana.
Inter’s victory over Lazio on Sunday meant that victory would be enough for Napoli to secure their first Scudetto since the Diego Maradona era.
Mathias Olivera looked set to seal his name in Napoli history after giving the Partenopei the lead in the 62nd minute.
Still, Diao’s superb 84th-minute performance means Luciano Spalletti’s side will have to wait until at least Wednesday to officially win the title.
The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona rocked at kick-off after news of Lazio’s defeat, although the home fans had to wait until the 23rd minute for their first clear lead when Victor Osimhen headed wide from a free-kick.
The waiting Napoli faithful were tested for patience throughout the first half – Amir Rrahmani headed wide and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa saw a good effort saved by Guillermo Ochoa.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tried his luck from long range after the break, though his shot was never quite enough for Ochoa, while Piotr Zielinski sent an acrobatic effort over.
Zielinski made way for Giacomo Raspadori soon after and the change paid off immediately and emphatically.
Raspadori took a nice corner kick which Olivera turned brilliantly.
Eljif Elmas stretched over as Napoli looked for a second to level the game, with Kvaratskhelia agonizingly close.
Dia made Napoli pay, cutting in from the left, beating Osimhene and curling a superb strike into the top left corner, with subsequent saves from Ochoa frustrating the passionate crowd.
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