Match Report: AS Roma V Napoli 3rd February 2025
On 2 February 2025 by Gillyowl
As a Roma fan, I always feel a mix of excitement and nerves when we face off against top teams, especially with Napoli currently sitting at the top of the league with a whopping 23-point lead. While our unbeaten streak of six games has us feeling confident, it’s hard not to wonder if this match could be a challenge. But hey, with a little luck and the passion that Roma is known for, I believe we could either snatch a draw or, who knows, even secure a thrilling win and those all-important three points! So, as the whistle blows to start the game I raise a glass hoping for a fantastic night for the Giallorossi!
It was a gripping Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico, AS Roma showcased their grit by securing a dramatic 1-1 draw against the league leaders, thanks to a late-game heroics from Angelino. This result not only halted Napoli’s seven-game winning streak, but also highlighted Roma’s fighting spirit, coming back from a goal down even after Leonardo Spinazzola—a former Roma player—scored first without celebrating out of respect for his former team and their fans.
Roma’s manager surprised many with his lineup, opting for Rensch on the wing over Saelemaekers and featuring Pisilli in midfield, while the attack boasted the talents of Soulé and Shomurodov, with stars like Dybala and Dovbyk on the bench. Despite Napoli’s formidable lineup including Spinazzola and a fearsome trio of Politano, Lukaku, and Neres, it was Roma’s resolute performance that stole the show and earned them a deserving point.
In the first half, Napoli looked strong, but it was Romelu Lukaku’s presence that kept his former team on their toes. Chances were scarce, hampered by tight defense and crowded spaces until Spinazzola struck unexpectedly, lobbing Svilar beautifully after a lovely setup from Juan Jesus. At the end of the first half Roma hadn’t had a single shot on target.
The second half saw Roma ramping up their attack with Paredes and Saelemaekers, and they almost equalized when Paredes rattled the post with a well-taken free-kick. As the match progressed, both teams made tactical changes, including the introduction of Dybala and Baldanzi for Roma.
Just when it seemed Napoli would snag the win, Angelino came through as the hero of the night, smashing home a stunning left-footed volley from Saelemaekers’ cross, igniting a wave of joy among the Roma faithful at the Olimpico.
The draw keeps Napoli just three points ahead of Inter Milan, while Roma’s relentless spirit has them firmly in the mix for European competition.
Roma is set to face AC Milan in the highly anticipated quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia, with the pressure on to bring home the trophy. This matchup marks a crucial moment in the season for Roma, and a win could potentially be their best chance at claiming silverware, making the stakes extremely high for this encounter.
