By Romelu Lukaku’s second-half strike proved decisive as Napoli maintained their narrow Serie A lead with a 1-0 victory over Roma Sunday, spoiling Claudio Ranieri’s return to management with his boyhood club.
The Belgian striker netted his fifth goal for Napoli seven minutes after halftime, helping the leaders maintain their one-point advantage over a tightly packed chasing group that includes Atalanta, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina, all with 28 points. Lazio could join that trio with a win over Bologna in Sunday’s late fixture, while Juventus lurks four points off the pace in sixth.
Napoli dominated proceedings at the Stadio Maradona, nearly taking the lead in the second minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia inexplicably sent a free header wide from point-blank range. The Georgian winger remained influential, providing a precise cross for Lukaku four minutes after the break, though the striker’s glancing header missed the target.
Roma, now sitting just four points above the relegation zone in 12th place, showed signs of life under returning manager Ranieri. Artem Dovbyk came closest to equalizing in the 66th minute, his powerful header striking the crossbar.
In other Serie A action, Moise Kean continued his remarkable resurgence at Fiorentina, scoring in a 2-0 victory at Como that marked their seventh consecutive league win. The 24-year-old striker has found new life in Florence after a goalless season at Juventus, notching seven goals in his last four Serie A appearances.
“Obviously people look at the goal, but the whole team has worked very hard with him… he’s developing and starting to reap the rewards,” Fiorentina coach Raffaele Palladino said of Kean’s transformation.
Former Arsenal manager Patrick Vieira’s return to Italian football as Genoa boss ended in disappointment, with Roberto Piccoli’s late penalty securing a 2-2 draw for struggling Cagliari. The result leaves both teams hovering precariously above the relegation zone, level on points and just two clear of danger.
