Juventus Deal Major Blow to Napoli’s Title Hopes as AC Milan Lose Ground on Inter

Juventus inflicted a damaging setback on Napoli’s Serie A title defence with an emphatic 3-0 victory in Turin on Sunday, a result that leaves the reigning champions nine points adrift of leaders Inter Milan, who continue to pull clear at the top of the table.

Goals from Jonathan David, Kenan Yildiz and Filip Kostić sealed a statement win for a resurgent Juventus side, who are beginning to find rhythm under Luciano Spalletti. The result lifts Juve into the European qualification picture, sitting just a point behind Napoli and Roma, while firmly reasserting themselves among the league’s leading contenders.

Yildiz was delighted with the performance and atmosphere in Turin, describing it as one of the team’s most complete displays of the season.

“We played really well and enjoyed ourselves,” the forward told DAZN. “We had fun on the pitch and with our supporters, and hopefully we can keep going like this.”

Napoli, meanwhile, remain under pressure as they also face a growing threat from Como, who sit three points behind them in sixth place after dismantling Torino in a six-goal rout on Saturday.

Antonio Conte’s side now turn their focus to Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash at home to Chelsea, a fixture that will determine their European fate this season. The Napoli manager has endured a difficult campaign plagued by injuries, and Sunday’s defeat further highlighted the challenges facing his squad.

One positive to emerge from a frustrating evening was the return of Romelu Lukaku, who made his first appearance of the season as a late substitute following a long absence.

“I can’t criticise the players – they gave everything,” Conte told Sky. “Sometimes you overcome obstacles, sometimes you don’t. We know our situation with injuries, but there’s no point complaining. We have to keep going.”

The pivotal moment arrived in the 77th minute when Yildiz doubled Juventus’ lead, capitalising on a defensive error to calmly convert after Napoli had gifted possession in a dangerous area. The goal effectively ended the contest, despite Napoli remaining largely competitive without posing a serious attacking threat.

David had earlier opened the scoring midway through the first half, while Kostić added a third late on with a powerful low finish that extended the scoreline beyond what the overall balance of play perhaps suggested.

Roma Hold Milan as Inter Extend Lead

Elsewhere, Roma climbed above Napoli on goal difference after earning a 1-1 draw against second-placed AC Milan at the Stadio Olimpico, a result that also strengthened Inter Milan’s grip on top spot with a five-point cushion over their city rivals.

Milan appeared on course for victory when Koni De Winter headed home Luka Modrić’s pinpoint cross in the 62nd minute, scoring his first Serie A goal. It came against the run of play after Roma had dominated the opening half, only to be repeatedly denied by an outstanding performance from Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

However, Roma responded with composure as Lorenzo Pellegrini converted from the penalty spot after Davide Bartesaghi was penalised for handball, securing the hosts’ first draw of the season and moving them into the top three.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini was encouraged by his side’s resilience and defensive discipline.

“Had we scored first, we would have had a very good chance to win,” he said. “The table shows Milan are one of the strongest teams in the league, and we come out of this match stronger than before.

“To concede so little against a team of that quality reflects a lot of hard work and application.”

Atalanta also enjoyed a convincing afternoon, with former Napoli forward Giacomo Raspadori scoring on his full debut as the Bergamo club swept aside Parma 4-0. Gianluca Scamacca, Marten de Roon and Nikola Krstović were also on the scoresheet in a comfortable response to their midweek defeat by Athletic Bilbao.

Bologna, meanwhile, slipped further behind the European places after surrendering a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 at Genoa. The hosts’ dramatic comeback moved them six points clear of the relegation zone, while Bologna now trail Como by 10 points in the race for a Europa Conference League spot.