Osimhen scores as Napoli beat Roma 2-1

Victor Osimhen and Giovanni Simeone ensured Napoli continued their march to a first Serie A title in more than three decades with the decisive goal in a 2-1 win over Roma to put the team 13 points clear of the chasers.

Osimhen nearly brought the house down in the 17th minute when he brilliantly knocked down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cross with his chest, hitting another with his thigh before reeling in without the ball touching the ground.

His 14th league goal of the season was one of the goals of the season and a blistering opener to a thrilling encounter that ended with Napoli taking another step towards glory.

Substitute Simeone made a stunning finish at the end of a long pass with four minutes left in the bouncing Stadio Maradona to beat a spirited Roma team who thought they had escaped by a point when Stephan El Shaarawy in the 75th minute equalized.

However, Luciano Spalletti’s side are now 13 points ahead of Inter Milan, the closest challengers after champions AC Milan were humiliated 5-2 by Sassuolo, leaving their title defenses in tatters.

Home fans hoping for an end to their 33-year wait for the Scudetto gave a powerful roar of joy and relief at the final whistle after a hard-fought match with fierce rivals Roma thanks to Simeone’s fifth goal since coming off the bench this season.

“I tried to give everything I had. I did the best I could today and that was to get the winner. I’m so happy,” said Simeone.

Roma can count themselves unhappy to leave Naples with nothing after impressing despite the backroom drama that saw want-away star Nicolo Zaniolo poison their preparation for the game.

Jose Mourinho’s side are sixth, one point behind the Champions League positions and Milan, who have been dumped to fifth after their humiliating defeat and Lazio’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina.

AFP

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