Napoli survive Panionios pressure

SSC Napoli took a huge step towards the UEFA Cup second qualifying round with victory in Greece.

Lengthy absence
The Serie A outfit, returning to European action after a 14-year absence, owed their win to a large degree of luck as Panionios GSS twice struck the crossbar in the first half. Yet it is the Azzurri who will take an away goal into the second leg at the San Paolo next week thanks to Mariano Adrián Bogliacino's close-range finish on the half-hour mark. 

Woodwork struck
The hosts started brightly, nearly taking the lead in the first minute when Lambros Choutos' right-footed shot struck the bar. Chances were at a premium thereafter and when one finally did arise, the Italian side took full advantage. Germán Gustavo Denis entered the penalty area and crossed for Bogliacino to apply the simplest of finishes. 

Red card
It was proving not to be Panionios' night as they rattled the bar once more, Bennard Kumordzi this time the frustrated party. Three minutes after half time Panionios forged another opportunity when Choutos' curling effort drew a save from Napoli goalkeeper Gennaro Iezzo. For all their pressure the Greek Super League side almost fell further behind following a slick Napoli move; Denis linked up with Christian Maggio and Bogliacino before firing a powerful shot which forced Panionios goalkeeper Dario Kresic into action. Napoli's Leandro Rinaudo was dismissed with 15 minutes remaining for collecting a second caution but the visitors held out.