Lukaku’s Decisive Strike Keeps Napoli on Top in Serie A
Napoli continued their impressive Serie A campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over AS Roma at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday. Romelu Lukaku’s second-half goal proved to be the difference, securing all three points and maintaining Napoli’s position at the summit of the league table.
The game was a tightly contested affair, with both teams battling for control in the first half. Chances were few and far between, as Napoli struggled to find their rhythm against a resolute Roma defense. Despite Napoli’s home advantage, Jose Mourinho’s Roma side showed their defensive organization, making it difficult for the league leaders to create clear-cut opportunities.
It wasn’t until the 54th minute that the deadlock was broken. Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo found space on the right wing and delivered a pinpoint low cross into the box. Lukaku, showing the predatory instincts that have made him one of Europe’s top strikers, slid in to meet the ball, guiding it past Roma goalkeeper Rui Patrício. The goal was a reminder of the Belgian’s quality, particularly poignant as it came against the club he represented on loan last season.
Roma responded immediately, pushing forward in search of an equalizer. Ukrainian forward Artem Dovbyk came closest to leveling the score, rattling the crossbar with a powerful header from a well-taken free kick. However, Napoli’s defense, marshaled by Kim Min-jae and Amir Rrahmani, stood firm to preserve their clean sheet.
The victory takes Napoli to 29 points after 13 matches, maintaining a slender one-point lead over their closest challengers—Atalanta, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina. The win also highlights the depth of quality in Luciano Spalletti’s squad, with players like Lukaku stepping up in crucial moments to deliver results.
For Roma, the defeat is a setback as they continue their push for European qualification. Despite their resilience, they lacked the clinical edge needed to capitalize on their late pressure. Mourinho’s side remains mid-table, with much work to do if they are to compete with Serie A’s elite this season.
As Napoli fans celebrated another step toward potential glory, Lukaku’s performance once again demonstrated why he is a key player for their title aspirations. With a long season ahead and fierce competition from chasing teams, Napoli will need more of the same from their talisman as they aim to reclaim the Scudetto.
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