In a dramatic Serie A showdown at Rome's Olympic Stadium, Napoli secured a crucial 1-0 victory over title rivals Roma on Sunday, November 30, 2025, to join AC Milan at the summit of Italian football.
McTominay Shines in Midfield Battle
The match featured Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay delivering an impressive performance for Napoli, controlling the midfield and creating opportunities throughout the feisty encounter. Despite missing key players including Kevin De Bruyne, Andre-Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, and the long-term absentee Romelu Lukaku, Napoli manager Antonio Conte found an effective attacking formula.
David Neres proved the match-winner in the 36th minute, finishing a blistering counter-attack with composed precision after being perfectly set up by centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund. This marked Neres' third goal of the season and demonstrated Napoli's clinical edge in a tightly contested match.
Conte's Tactical Masterclass
Napoli delivered what can only be described as a classic away performance, denying Roma any significant chances while capitalizing on their own opportunities. The defensive unit remained robust throughout, keeping Roma away from goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic's goal for most of the match.
Roma's first real chance came only in the 90th minute when Milinkovic-Savic managed to keep out Tommaso Baldanzi's low drive from the edge of the area. The victory represents a significant bounce-back for Napoli following their pre-international break meltdown.
Speaking to DAZN after the match, Conte expressed satisfaction with his team's performance. "To come to Rome and play with authority and personality like we did wasn't easy because Roma came into the game on the back of some positive results," said the Italian manager. "We've sent a message to ourselves, that if we want it we can have it."
Serie A Title Race Intensifies
The result leaves Napoli level with AC Milan on 28 points, separated only by goal difference. Roma and Inter Milan sit just one point behind in what's shaping up to be one of the most competitive Scudetto battles in recent memory.
For Roma, this defeat marks their third loss against direct title rivals this season, having previously fallen to both Milan clubs. The capital city team continues their 24-year wait to be crowned Italian champions, while Napoli last claimed the title in 1964.
Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini pointed to fatigue as a contributing factor. "What is disappointing is that we weren't able to perform with the right rhythm, and I think we paid a bit for playing on Thursday," he told DAZN. "We weren't quick enough and when you take too many touches, the ball moves slower and it becomes more difficult."
The Serie A title race continues to heat up, with Inter Milan keeping pace by defeating Pisa 2-0 through Lautaro Martinez's brace. Meanwhile, Bologna could move level with Roma and Inter if they overcome Cremonese on Monday night.
