Roma 0-1 Napoli: What Did We Learn As Napoli Extend On Their Astonishing Start To The Serie A Campaign?

Laying down what was another stunning marker on Sunday night, Napoli picked up an impressive 1-0 victory away at Jose Mourinho’s Roma.

Only continuing on what has been a remarkable start to the 2022/23 campaign, the Azzurri also once again widened their buffer at the top of the Serie A table to three points.

In the midst of what has been a record-breaking purple patch, Sunday’s guests made it 11 victories on the bounce as attacking talisman Victor Osimhen struck a late winner at Stadio Olimpico.

Gaining a string of plaudits and also enjoying a rampant run of form while on Champions League duties, Napoli also exposed Roma’s extended attacking inconstancies.

In a showdown between two Italian giants, we have taken a look at the main talking points.

Can anyone stop Napoli?

While Napoli might have snatched a bronze medal finish last season, few around the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona would have expected what has been an astonishing start to the new campaign.

Quickly gaining a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring displays, Luciano Spalletti’s men find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high and they now have their sights set on making real history.

Only laying down another marker on Sunday night as they snatched a 1-0 victory outside of Naples, the one-time Inter Milan boss has seen his side tipped as a leading pick to claim their first Serie A crown since 1990.

In the midst of an 11-match winning run across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to August 31st – Napoli also punched their Champions League knockout stage ticket with plenty of time to spare.

Extending their buffer over the chasing pack to three points, Spalletti’s high-flying squad are arguably Europe’s most in-form outfit.

Mourinho still has an attacking headache

Although Roma might have managed to find some level of stability when returning from September’s international break, Mourinho’s men once again showed some rather glaring issues here.

Dropping out of the top-four and watching their three-match unbeaten run come to an abrupt end, the former Manchester United boss has seen his side lack a clinical edge since opening the 2022/23 campaign.

Only recording more than a single strike in just one of their previous five appearances across all formats, Roma failed to muster a single shot on target at the Stadio Olimpico.

Also coming under scrutiny for their issues while on Europa League duties this season, the Giallorossi fanbase will also be concerned by Tammy Abraham’s extended drought.

Dragged off after 62 minutes here, the England international has now failed to bag a single strike in any of his previous eight outings and has really failed to match a similar level that the ex-Chelsea striker set in his maiden Serie A campaign.

Osimhen underlines his value

While Napoli might have gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring displays over the past couple of months, they have been unable to call upon one of their standout attacking options.

Bagging 14 Serie A strikes last season and spearheading Spalletti’s Champions League finish, Osimhen has continued to impress since marking his return from a hamstring injury earlier in the month.

Regarded to be one of the best young striking talents from across Europe, the Nigeria international once again proved to be the match-winner on Sunday night.

In fact, once again underlining why Napoli have reportedly placed a £90million price tag on the 23-year-old, Osimhen has now found the net in each of his last three straight appearances since making his return.

Offering another option to a Napoli side that have already bagged 26 Serie A strikes from their opening 11 appearances, Spalletti should be hugely excited by the way his attacking talisman has hit the ground running.

Match Report:

Roma: Patricio, Mancini, Smalling, Ibanez, Karsdorp, Cristante, Pellegrini, Camara, Spinazzola, Zaniolo, Abraham

Subs: Vina, Belotti, Matic

Napoli: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Kim, Juan, Olivera, Zielinski, Lobotka, Ndombele, Lozano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia

Subs: Politano, Elmas

Goals: Osimhen (80′)

Yellow Cards: Roma: Smalling, Ibanez, Cristante – Napoli: Olivera, Lobotka, Ndombele, Lozano

Red Cards: N/A

Referee: Massimiliano Irrati