The roles have long since reversed in the ‘Derby del Sole‘. Napoli has been a Scudetto contender for years, while Roma has settled for mediocrity, with a Champions League spot being a bonus. Tonight’s result confirmed this shift: Napoli defeated the Giallorossi 1–0 at the “Maradona” Stadium, retaining their top spot ahead of a crowded chasing pack. The match showcased why Romelu Lukaku is one of Antonio Conte’s favorite soldiers and why Napoli’s coach insisted on signing him. The Belgian striker was a constant threat to the goal of his former team, and ultimately, he decided the game. In true predator fashion, he reacted swiftly in the box, beating goalkeeper Mile Svilar to score the only goal of the match and secure the victory.LUKAKU SCORED AN IMPORTANT GOAL AGAINST ROMA #NapoliRomapic.twitter.com/u20qhtLB6Y— BUKAYO 🌶 (@BestOfBukayo) November 24, 2024 Not even Roma’s third coach of the season could pull them out of their slump. Claudio Ranieri made changes to the formation and lineup, tightened up Roma’s defense somewhat, but there’s still much work to be done. The experienced strategist left Hummels and Dybala on the bench, brought El Shaarawy back into the starting XI, and gave youngster Pisilli a chance. Yet, it wasn’t enough. Napoli isn’t the place for a turnaround; Roma will have to find solutions in smaller matches. Conte, on the other hand, made no surprises. His starting lineup is well-established, and his clear game principles are yielding results.🔥🇧🇪 Lukaku LOVES scoring vs Roma⚽️ 4 goals🅰️ 1 goal👥 6 games pic.twitter.com/MUq58JWzhI— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) November 24, 2024 Napoli pressed high from the start and took control of the game. Kvaratskhelia missed a sitter in the second minute, followed by McTominay’s near miss in the ninth. Roma only woke up about 20 minutes in, with Pisilli threatening, but Meret handled it confidently. Roma held their ground defensively until halftime. It was only a matter of time before Napoli capitalized on their dominance. They missed early in the second half when Lukaku’s header went wide after a corner, but they struck in the 53rd minute. This time, Lukaku displayed excellent awareness, slipping into the box and slotting the ball into the net between Hummels and Svilar after a pinpoint cross from Di Lorenzo. Roma’s defense should have done better in that situation.McTominay has his word on Man Utd fans’ comments about himOnly after the goal did Roma start to play with purpose. Substitute Baldanzi poorly handled Angeliño’s cutback, and Dovbyk came closest in the 66th minute, rattling the crossbar. That was Conte’s cue to make changes and inject fresh legs. Neres, Simeone, Mezzocchi, and Folorunsho all came on, with Neres nearly doubling the lead in stoppage time, but his shot went just wide. Napoli returned to winning ways after earning just one point in their clashes with direct rivals Atalanta and Inter. Their one-point lead may not be substantial, but it’s crucial for the team’s confidence. Up next are a visit to Torino, a two-legged clash with Lazio, and then a relatively easier schedule until the end of the year. If Napoli remains the leader by then, they will solidify their status as the top Scudetto favorite, especially as their direct rivals face tougher schedules and head-to-head matchups.SERIE A – MATCHDAY 13SaturdayVerona – Inter 0-5 (0-5)/Correa 17, Thuram 22, 25, De Vrij 31, Bisseck 41/Milan – Juventus 0-0Parma – Atalanta 1-3 (0-2)/Cancellieri 49 – Retegui 4, Ederson 39, Lookman 75/SundayGenoa – Cagliari 2-2 (1-1)/Frendrup 12, Miretti 59 – Marin 8(p) Piccoli 88(p)/Como- Fiorentina (2.40)/Adli 19, Kean 68/Torino – Monza 1-1 (0-0)/Masina 59 – Djuric 63/Napoli – Roma 1-0 (0-0)/Lukaku 54/22:45: (1.95) Lazio (3.50) Bologna (4.40)Monday20:30: (2.80) Empoli (3.05) Udinese (2.95)22:45: (2.35) Venezia (3.40) Lecce (3.25)***odds are subject to change***
