A devastating coast-to-coast run from David Neres seals a statement win; Buongiorno and Rrahmani form an unbreakable wall as Roma struggle without a true No. 9.
Napoli delivered a commanding and mature performance at the Stadio Olimpico, defeating Roma 1–0 to climb back to the top of Serie A alongside Milan. David Neres was the match-winner, deciding the contest with a spectacular solo run that cut straight through the Giallorossi defense.
Roma started with intensity but quickly found themselves suffocated by Napoli’s organization. Conte — serving a touchline suspension, with assistant Gritti on the bench — set up a disciplined and compact team that neutralized Roma’s attempts to build through Pellegrini and Soulé. Without a high-level striker to lead the line, the Giallorossi were hesitant and predictable in the final third. Ferguson struggled, Baldanzi was swallowed up as a false nine, and every Roma foray met stiff resistance from the commanding back three of Beukema, Rrahmani and Buongiorno.
The breakthrough arrived in the 36th minute on a textbook counterattack. Hojlund broke forward powerfully before slipping a perfect ball into the path of Neres. The Brazilian accelerated away into open space and, one-on-one with Svilar, finished with icy precision to make it 1–0.
Despite the introduction of Dybala, Roma never found the spark needed for a comeback. Napoli continued to dictate tempo and control transitions, with Lobotka orchestrating in midfield and McTominay providing verticality and defensive bite. Late on, Milinković-Savić produced a crucial save on Baldanzi to preserve the clean sheet and secure the win.
Roma, outplayed and outpaced, now face tough questions about their attacking identity. Napoli, meanwhile, showcased once again why they remain the team to beat in Italy: organized, ruthless, and overflowing with confidence.
Match Report
Roma 0–1 Napoli
Scorer: 36’ Neres (NAP)
Roma (3-4-2-1):
Svilar; Mancini, Ndicka, Hermoso; Celik, Cristante (62’ El Aynaoui), Koné, Wesley (82’ El Shaarawy); Soulé (62’ Dybala), Pellegrini (80’ Bailey); Ferguson (46’ Baldanzi).
Manager: Gasperini (suspended; assistant Gritti on bench)
Napoli (3-4-2-1):
Milinković-Savić; Beukema, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Olivera; Neres (85’ Lucca), Lang (69’ Politano); Hojlund (80’ Elmas).
Manager: Conte
Referee: Massa
Bookings: Cristante, Baldanzi, Ndicka, El Shaarawy (ROM); Lobotka, Beukema, Olivera (NAP)
Red Cards: None
