Champions Napoli continued their pursuit of a 2nd successive Serie A title with a 2-1 victory over rivals Juventus on Sunday. Rasmus Hojlund was the star of the match, scoring both goals for his team, including a late winner in the 78th minute.
The win puts Napoli one point clear at the top of Serie A standings, ahead of Inter Milan, with AC Milan potentially joining them on points if they win their upcoming match.
Summary of the contest as Napoli edge past Juventus
The match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona started on a high note for Napoli as Hojlund scored within seven minutes. He converted David Neres’s cross with a precise shot, leaving Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio with no chance. Giovanni Di Lorenzo nearly doubled the lead soon after but his header was saved by Di Gregorio from Noa Lang’s quickly taken corner.
Juventus equalized just before the hour mark through Kenan Yildiz, who finished a well-placed shot into the bottom-left corner after being set up by Weston McKennie. However, Napoli didn’t let this setback deter them and found their winner 12 minutes from time. Neres’s cross was inadvertently headed back across goal by McKennie, allowing Hojlund to nod home from inside the six-yard box and secure a crucial three points for his side.
Presenting key numbers as Napoli win
Hojlund has been in phenomenal form this season, scoring four goals in Serie A. His seventh-minute opener was also the fastest goal Napoli have scored against Juventus in top-flight since April 1, 1989, as per Opta. With this win, Napoli also maintained their unbeaten run at home for a calendar year in Serie A for the first time since 1987 (W13 D4).
They are the only team yet to lose a home game across Europe’s top five leagues this season.
Serie A title race heats up with 4 teams in the mix
After 14 matchweeks, Napoli are currently atop. They have 10 wins, 1 draw and three defeats. Antonio Conte’s men own 31 points. They are one point above Inter, who have collected 30 points from 14 matches (W10 L4). Inter’s goal difference of +19 is 9 better than Napoli (+10).
AC Milan are well and alive in the title race. They can get back to the top if they win their match in hand. They will be ahead of Napoli on goal difference with a win. After 14 games, Milan own 28 points.
AS Roma, who lost their last two games, own 27 points from 14 games and are 4 behind Napoli and three behind Inter. They are another side in the title race.
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