Napoli vs Salernitana: Senegalese star halts title celebrations with dramatic late goal

Napoli could have become the first team in Italy to win the Serie A with six matches to go after Senegal's Boulaye Dia struck late to earn Salernitana a draw on Sunday.

Dia netted an excellent solo goal late on to deny Napoli title celebrations in a dramatic game at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Mathias Olivera thought he had become a hero as his header gave the leaders a 1-0 lead after the hour mark following a dominant display.

Olivera's goal beat the brilliant Guillermo Ochoa in goal for the visitors to send the Napoli bench and fans into a frenzy.

However, Dia broke the hearts of Napoli and their fans when his netted a late solo goal to force a share of the spoils which means the home side has to postpone their title celebrations. 

After Inter Milan did the Partenopei a huge favour following a comprehensive 3-1 over Lazio, all Napoli needed to do was beat Salernitana at home.

Nigeria Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen came close several times with headers but Ochoa was alert each time to save the away side.

The visitors denied their host space for 61 minutes before the most unexpected scorer, Olivera, broke their resistance in the 62nd minute.

Olivera’s goal sent everyone in the Maradona stadium into a frenzy as they started celebrations for their first title in 33 years.

But with six minutes to go, the celebrations were halted when Dia netted a stunning solo goal to earn Salernitana a share of the spoils.

Despite the result, Napoli are mathematically Serie A champions but will have to wait days more to finally confirm it.