Napoli Edge Roma to Draw Level with AC Milan at the Top of Serie A

Napoli drew level with AC Milan at the summit of Serie A on Sunday after securing a crucial 1–0 victory away to title rivals Roma, while Inter Milan maintained pressure on the leading pair with a 2–0 win over Pisa.

David Neres netted the decisive goal in the 36th minute at the Stadio Olimpico, finishing off a blistering counter-attack with admirable composure to take Napoli to 28 points. They sit behind Milan on goal difference and remain one point ahead of both Roma and Inter in what is shaping up to be an exceptionally tight Scudetto race. Antonio Conte’s side will host Juventus next week in another pivotal fixture.

Conte praised his team’s authority and focus in a difficult away environment.
“Coming to Rome and playing with such personality was not easy, especially as Roma arrived full of confidence,” he told DAZN. “We’ve sent a message to ourselves: if we want something badly enough, we can achieve it.”

Should Bologna defeat Cremonese on Monday evening, they too will draw level with Roma and Inter, with Vincenzo Italiano’s side capable of influencing a title they last won in 1964.

Roma, meanwhile, continue their long wait for domestic glory. Sunday’s defeat marks their third loss this season against direct title rivals, having already been beaten by both Milan clubs.

Napoli Deliver Classic Away Performance

Napoli have recovered impressively from their pre-international break slump, delivering a disciplined and controlled display in Rome. The visitors limited Roma’s chances while showing ruthlessness when the opportunity arose.

Conte was again without Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, and long-term absentee Romelu Lukaku, yet his revamped attack continues to flourish. Neres and Noa Lang provided constant movement around striker Rasmus Højlund, whose clever run and assist set up Neres for his third goal of the season.

Strong defensive organisation ensured Roma were kept at arm’s length, with goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić largely untested until stoppage time, when he denied Tommaso Baldanzi’s low strike.

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini lamented his side’s sluggish tempo.
“We didn’t play with the right rhythm, and Thursday’s match clearly took something out of us,” he said. “We were too slow in possession, taking too many touches. When the ball moves slowly, everything becomes more difficult.”

Inter Keep Title Hopes Alive

Inter Milan also stayed in touch at the top thanks to Lautaro Martínez’s second-half brace against Pisa. The Argentine rifled in Pio Esposito’s low cross in the 69th minute and later sealed the victory with a close-range finish seven minutes from time.

Inter entered the match under pressure following a late defeat to Atlético Madrid in midweek and last weekend’s derby loss. While the performance was far from dominant, Martínez expressed relief at returning to winning ways.

“I’m pleased because we needed this after two defeats,” he said. “I work for the team, for myself and my family. Others can talk — I focus on playing my part. I’m happy here, the fans support me, and the team always comes first.”

His goals take him to 10 in all competitions this season and spared Inter further frustration, particularly as Pisa — sitting in the relegation zone with just one win from 13 matches — created several notable chances before the opener.

Atalanta Claim Much-Needed Victory

Atalanta enjoyed a confidence-boosting 2–0 victory over Fiorentina, with Odilon Kossounou and Ademola Lookman scoring on either side of half-time.

Raffaele Palladino, who took over earlier this month following Ivan Jurić’s dismissal, has now guided Atalanta to their third league win of the season. The Bergamo side sit 11th on 16 points and have shown signs of resurgence following their emphatic Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Fiorentina’s struggles, however, continue. They remain winless and six points from safety as pressure mounts on their campaign.