Napoli’s Scudetto hopes were shattered as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Roma at the Maradona today. The Azzurri started brilliantly with Lorenzo Insigne’s spot-kick giving them the lead. However, they were unable to extend their lead and had to pay for that in the end as Roma found their equalizer through Stephan El Shaarawy in stoppage time.
The draw pretty much puts paid to any hope Napoli had of winning the Serie A while Roma are still chasing Juventus for that fourth Champions League spot.
Starting XIs: Napoli Make Two Changes, Mkhitaryan Back for Roma
Napoli made only two changes from their defeat to Fiorentina with Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa replacing Piotr Zielinski while Hirving Lozano started at right wing ahead of Matteo Politano.
Roma made just the one change from their 4-0 win over Bodo / Glimt with Henrikh Mkhitaryan starting at the expense of Sergio Oliveira.
Insigne Penalty Puts Napoli Ahead
Napoli started the match well and were awarded an early penalty after Hirving Lozano was fouled by Roger Ibanez in the penalty area. Up stepped captain Insigne and he shot past Rui Patricio to put his team 1-0 up.
Napoli were keen to double their lead and Mario Rui put a cross in from the left and Victor Osimhen tried to shoot but his shot was blocked with the ball going towards Lozano. The Mexican also had an attempt on goal but Patricio was able to hold on to it.
The hosts looked the more attacking side in the first half but Roma had their attacking moments. Lorenzo Pellegrini delivered a cross but Bryan Cristante’s header went over the target.
El Shaarawy Salvages Point for 10-man Giallorossi
Roma were keen on leveling the scores and Napoli wanted to extend their lead. Both sides looked to attack and it was the visitors who had the first good chance of the match through Pellegrini. The Italian’s shot was saved by Alex Meret. Tammy Abraham also had a header towards goal but it was saved.
Things went bad for Roma as the half progressed, as they were reduced to ten men following the sending off of Daniel Fuzato. However, the Giallorossi pressed for an equalizer. They finally got it in stoppage time thanks to a fine shot from El Shaarawy. Roma looked a lot more attacking towards the end in search of a winner. However, they were unable to do so and the spoils were shared.
Luciano Spalletti will no doubt be disappointed having missed out on a win in their last two matches. The Partenopei will have to be a lot more clinical up front if they are challenge for the Scudetto next season.
Napoli remain third in the Serie A table while Roma remain fifth.
What’s Next for Napoli and Roma
Napoli next travel to Empoli for their away fixture next weekend. The Partenopei have a tough game ahead but should be able to bag all three points. Roma have an extremely difficult match ahead as they travel to Milan for their fixture against Inter. This will be a crucial match for both sides. While Roma are looking for a top four finish, the Nerazzurri are keen on defending their title.
MATCH SCORECARD April 18, 2022 – Serie A 2021-2022 Round 33
NAPOLI – ROMA 1-1
SCORERS: 11′ Insigne (N), 90+1′ El Shaarawy (R)
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NAPOLI (4-3-3): Meret; Zanoli, Rrahmani, Koulibaly, Mario Rui (87′ Ghoulam); Anguissa, Lobotka, Fabian Ruiz; Lozano, Osimhen, Insigne (Ospina, Marfella, Juan Jesus, Tuanzebe) Coach: Spalletti |
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ROMA (3-5-2): Patricio; Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Oliveira, Pellegrini, Cristante, Zalewski; Zaniolo, Abraham ()Coach: Mourinho |