Neres Strikes as Napoli Edge Roma in a Tight Serie A Battle at the Olimpico

Napoli produced a disciplined, clinical display to beat an in-form Roma 1–0 in a tense Serie A showdown at the Stadio Olimpico, with David Neres delivering the decisive moment in a match of few clear chances. Roma arrived in strong domestic and European form, but it was Napoli who landed the key punch in a tight tactical battle. 

After a cagey opening half-hour, the visitors struck in the 36th minute with a breathtaking counter-attack. Rasmus Hojlund exploded forward and threaded a perfectly weighted ball into the path of David Neres, who raced clear and slotted past Mile Svilar with calm precision.

Roma looked unsettled after the opener, and despite controlling more possession, they struggled to find ideas in the final third. Napoli maintained a compact and disciplined shape, content to absorb pressure and strike whenever Roma left spaces in behind. 

The Giallorossi’s best chance came in the 90th minute when Tommaso Baldanzi connected sweetly with a clever Paulo Dybala flick, only to see Vanja Milinkovic-Savic pull off a brilliant low save to preserve Napoli’s lead. Earlier, Lorenzo Pellegrini had fired over from a promising position, while Ferguson misdirected a header, summing up Roma’s frustrations in front of goal.

Napoli, meanwhile, created the game’s clearer openings and carried more threat in transition, reflected in their superior expected goals tally. Their balance, counter-attacking precision, and defensive discipline were impressive, especially given their recent injury concerns. The victory lifts them level on points with leaders AC Milan in the Serie A title race, a massive statement for Antonio Conte’s men as momentum continues to build.

Roma drop to fourth, losing the chance to reclaim top spot after a night where they lacked the invention and sharpness needed to break down Napoli’s well-organized block. Despite their excellent recent run, this performance showed areas requiring improvement as the campaign intensifies. Both sides now turn to crucial upcoming fixtures, with Roma set for an away trip to Cagliari, while Napoli prepare for both a Coppa Italia meeting with Cagliari and a huge league clash against Juventus.