AS ROMA 2-0 NAPOLI: LORENZO PELLEGRINI & ROMELU LUKAKU STRIKE AS GIALLOROSSI MOVE UP TO SIXTH IN SERIE A TABLE

Roma emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline against Napoli in Serie A, courtesy of goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Romelu Lukaku. This important win propelled Jose Mourinho’s team from the eighth position to the sixth position in the league standings. On the other hand, Napoli’s defeat caused them to drop from sixth to seventh place.

The match took a dramatic turn as Napoli had two players dismissed from the field. Matteo Politano received a red card in the 66th minute, significantly impacting his team’s chances. Later on, Victor Osimhen also received his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Napoli with a numerical disadvantage towards the end of the game.

Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma exults in celebration after finding the back of the net, putting his team ahead 1-0 in the Serie A TIM encounter against SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on December 23, 2023, in Rome, Italy.

Roma seized the opportunity presented by their numerical advantage, courtesy of goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Romelu Lukaku, as they climbed above a nine-man Napoli in the Serie A standings, securing a convincing 2-0 victory.

Both teams were evenly matched until the turning point arrived in the 66th minute when Matteo Politano received his marching orders, leading to a match marred by disciplinary issues.

During the first half, Roma midfielder Edoardo Bove came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock on two occasions. First, his dipping shot narrowly skimmed the top of the crossbar, and later, he was thwarted by a sprawling Alex Meret from just five yards out as he attempted to convert a well-placed cut-back.

MOURINHO WANTS FOURTH YEAR AT ROMA – BUT MUST FIX BIG-GAME STAGE FRIGHT FIRST

In a remarkable turn of events, referee Andrea Colombo found himself reaching for his pocket on multiple occasions within a mere 10 minutes. As the match became increasingly disjointed, both teams struggled to establish any rhythm. Amidst the chaos, Politano received a straight red card for kicking out at Nicola Zalewski. It didn’t take long for Roma to capitalize on the numerical advantage, as Pellegrini, who had just been substituted into the game, found the back of the net to open the scoring. Napoli’s fortunes worsened when their star striker, Victor Osimhen, received a second yellow card with only four minutes remaining, reducing them to nine men. This allowed Lukaku the luxury of ample time to carefully select his target and secure Roma’s second goal with the very last kick of the game, deep into stoppage time.

TALKING POINT – ROMA GET MUCH-NEEDED BIG GAME WIN

Roma’s struggles in important Serie A matches have been extensively discussed, and the daunting statistics leading up to their clash against Napoli only added to the concern. For instance, Mourinho had only managed to win five out of 27 previous encounters against teams in the top seven and had failed to secure victory in the last 13 matches against opponents in the top five.Following this triumph, Mourinho and his team will be hoping that they have finally overcome the weight of that history. However, their challenges do not ease up from here, as they face a demanding schedule in their next three league fixtures: an away match against Juventus, a home game against Atalanta, and another away fixture against AC Milan.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – ROMELU LUKAKU (ROMA)

Despite having to wait until the last moment of the game to find the back of the net, the player in question proved to be a constant thorn in the side of the Napoli defenders throughout the match. With his exceptional movement and physical prowess, he continuously posed difficult questions for the opposing defense to answer. His return to the field after serving a suspension provided a significant boost for the Giallorossi, offering them a focal point in the attack that was sorely missed during his absence.

PLAYER RATINGS

Roma:

• Rui Patricio: 7 – Rui Patricio’s performance was solid throughout the match.
• Mancini: 7 – Mancini put in a commendable display in defense.
• Llorente: 7 – Llorente had a good game, contributing well to the team’s defensive efforts.
• Ndicka: 7 – Ndicka was reliable in defense and provided stability at the back.
• Kristensen: 6 – Kristensen had an average performance, not standing out but doing his job adequately.
• Cristante: 7 – Cristante had a solid game, making his presence felt in midfield.
• Paredes: 7 – Paredes showcased his skills in the midfield, contributing effectively.
• Bove: 7 – Bove had a decent outing, making valuable contributions to the team’s attacks.
• Zalewski: 6 – Zalewski’s performance was average, not making a significant impact on the game.
• Lukaku: 8 – Lukaku was outstanding, displaying great skill and scoring prowess.
• Belotti: 7 – Belotti had a good game, providing a threat in the attacking third.

Substitutes:

• Pellegrini: 8 – Pellegrini made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute, scoring a crucial goal.
• Azmoun: 6 – Azmoun’s contribution was average during his time on the field.
• El Shaarawy: 7 – El Shaarawy made a positive impact as a substitute, adding energy and creativity.
• Celik: 6 – Celik’s performance was decent, without being particularly outstanding.

Napoli:

• Meret: 7 – Meret performed well, making some crucial saves to keep his team in the game.
• Di Lorenzo: 6 – Di Lorenzo had an average performance, not standing out but doing his defensive duties adequately.
• Rrahmani: 6 – Rrahmani’s display in defense was satisfactory but not exceptional.
• Juan Jesus: 6 – Juan Jesus had an average game, providing stability in defense.
• Mario Rui: 6 – Mario Rui’s performance was decent, without being particularly noteworthy.
• Anguissa: 7 – Anguissa had a good game in midfield, making valuable contributions.
• Lobotka: 6 – Lobotka’s performance was average, without making a significant impact on the match.
• Zielinski: 6 – Zielinski’s display in midfield was satisfactory but not exceptional.
• Politano: 5 – Politano had a below-par performance, struggling to make an impact before being sent off.
• Osimhen: 5 – Osimhen’s contribution was below expectations, and he was ultimately shown a red card.
• Kvaratskhelia: 6 – Kvaratskhelia’s performance was decent, without being particularly outstanding.

Substitutes:

• Cajuste: 6 – Cajuste’s contribution was average during his time on the field.
• Zerbin: 6 – Zerbin’s performance was satisfactory, without making a significant impact.
• Raspadori: N/A – Raspadori did not have enough playing time to receive a rating.
• Natan: N/A – Natan did not have enough playing time to receive a rating.
• Gaetano: N/A – Gaetano did not have enough playing time to receive a rating.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

22nd minute – What an incredible save by Meret! Roma comes agonizingly close once again! Belotti showcases his skill with a burst of speed, leaving his marker behind as he reaches the byline. He cuts the ball across the six-yard box for Bove, but his shot is bravely blocked by Meret from point-blank range. A fantastic save, denying the young midfielder a massive opportunity.

66th minute – Red card! Napoli’s fortunes take a turn for the worse as they are reduced to 10 men. It’s an unexpected turn of events. Politano is shown a straight red card for his reaction to Zalewski pulling his shirt. In a moment of frustration, Politano jumps and appears to kick out, resulting in his dismissal. Zalewski also receives a booking. Napoli now faces the challenge of playing with a numerical disadvantage.

76th minute – Goal! Pellegrini strikes for Roma! The breakthrough has arrived! Pellegrini has only been on the field for a few minutes, but he wastes no time in making an impact. El Shaarawy’s attempted shot takes an unintended deflection off the ground, and Pellegrini seizes the opportunity. With a swift movement of his hips, he guides the bouncing ball into the far corner of the net. A splendid finish that gives Roma the lead!

87th minute – Napoli down to 9 men! Osimhen is sent off! It’s a disastrous turn of events for Napoli. Their star striker, Osimhen, receives a second yellow card, reducing the visitors to only nine players for the remaining five minutes of regular time, plus stoppages. Osimhen’s frustration is evident as he leaves the field.

96th minute – Lukaku seals it, 2-0 Roma! Napoli desperately tries to mount a late comeback, but Roma swiftly counterattacks. Lukaku finds himself with ample time and space as he advances towards the goal. With composure, he takes a touch and calmly places the ball into the net, securing victory for Roma. The game is now firmly in Roma’s hands, and they emerge as the victors.