Napoli Player Ratings vs Roma: Lukaku Makes Difference

Napoli made it seven consecutive home matches against Roma in Serie A without defeat with a gutsy 1-0 victory on Sunday evening. Romelu Lukaku returned to the scoresheet to decide the latest edition of the famous Derby del Sole, handing Claudio Ranieri a nightmarish touchline debut for the Giallorossi.

Antonio Conte’s side headed into November’s international as the division’s pacesetters, albeit winless in back-to-back league matches, including a 1-1 draw at defending champions Inter in a top-table six-pointer. With the Nerazzurri comfortably dispatching Hellas Verona yesterday afternoon, Napoli needed three points to return to the summit.

It was all Napoli in the first half. Indeed, the Partenopei established firm control of the proceedings at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. However, despite generating 75% possession, nine shots on goal, and seven corner kicks, they couldn’t breach Roma’s deep defensive block before the halftime whistle.

But it was only a matter of time, and Napoli fans didn’t have to wait long into the second half to see their team pick up a well-deserved lead. Lukaku was in the right place at the right time to tap home Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s teasing low cross across the six-yard box and put the home team in front in the 53rd minute.

Despite adopting a more conservative approach for the rest of the game, Napoli routinely held on to their narrow advantage to leapfrog Atalanta and Inter into the top spot. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.

Napoli (4-3-3)

Alex Meret – 6

Today’s southern blockbuster was supposed to test the Italian’s goalkeeping credentials. Instead, he had a field day, only being called into action once for a routine save.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7.5

It was a vintage Di Lorenzo performance! The Napoli captain brought his A-game to the table, excelling on both ends of the pitch while claiming an assist for his troubles.

Amir Rrahmani – 7

Following an unconvincing showing against Inter, the Kosovo international delivered a reassuring display to make light work of Roma top-scorer Artem Dovbyk.

Alessandro Buongiorno – 7.5

Unsurprisingly considered among Serie A’s finest center-backs, the ex-Torino defender enjoyed another spotless game, refusing to put his foot wrong throughout 90+ minutes.

Mathias Olivera – 7

In addition to repeated overlapping runs down the left flank to provide depth in the final third, the Uruguayan fared outstandingly at the back against Stephan El Shaarawy.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa – 7.5

His standout physical presence was the catalyst to sway the midfield battle in Napoli’s favor, with the Cameroonian bossing the engine room for over an hour.

Stanislav Lobotka – 7

Back into the Napoli starting XI after a brief spell on the sidelines, the diminutive playmaker was the architect of every attacking move Conte’s team had to offer.

Scott McTominay – 6.5

While Lobotka was the brain, the Scottish star was the muscle, injecting strength, pace, and energy into Napoli’s midfield, proving too hot to handle for his Roma counterparts.

Khvicha Kvaratshkelia – 5.5

Frustration boiled over near the touchline when Conte subbed him off midway through the second half as he left the field visibly upset after a subdued performance. In truth, he could’ve come off sooner.

Matteo Politano – 6.5

Unlike the Georgian, the former Inter winger looked lively from the get-go but couldn’t find the final touch to crown a dazzling showing.

Romelu Lukaku – 7

It was a frustrating evening for the robust striker for the most part, but he shrugged off the pressure to deliver a crucial goal when it mattered most.

Substitutes

David Neres – 6.5

Giovanni Simeone – 5

Michael Folorunsho – N/A

Pasquale Mazzocchi – N/A

Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football

The post Napoli Player Ratings vs Roma: Lukaku Makes Difference appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.