An important match for Roma to establish themselves as league contenders for the Champions League. At the same, Napoli failed to establish themselves in the same manner. Rafael Benitez’s side has been struggling during the final third of the season after enjoying a good start. They now sit in sixth, two points behind Fiorentina and one point behind Sampdoria.
It was evenly matched throughout the game. Roma were able to grab the upper-hand early in the 25th minute with a great team goal, the only one of the game. A string of good defensive tackles allowed Miralem Pijanic to drop the ball toward Juan Iturbe to attack the defense. He passed the ball out-wide towards the by-line to Alessandro Florenzi who found Pijanic sitting atop of the box. Pijanic’s shot with the inside of his foot was clamly placed into the low right corner. Much resembling Ander Herrera’s second goal for Manchester United against Villa.
Napoli had their share of chances from Jose Callejon and Gonzalo Higuain, but their efforts were not enough to beat keeper, Morgan De Sanctis. Surely, had De Sanctis not been in goal, Napoli could have easily earned two goals.
Iturbe, missed a clear chance to increase their lead late in the 87th minute, but his shot was blasted over the crossbar from only a few yards out.
In the end, Roma escape being knocked out of second place by Lazio, but their lead over them is only one point, which leaves little room for error. Roma will be happy to enter winning ways once again and against a good side after winning just one of their last six matches. Thus begins the long stretch home for most of the teams in the league, besides Juventus who most likely have the Scudetto in the bag, fighting for a shot at either Champions League or Europa League play next season.
