Napoli Sink Roma as Gervinho’s Side Struggle in Serie A Clash
By BBC Sport
Napoli delivered a commanding performance on Saturday, defeating AS Roma 2-0 in the opening match of Serie A’s 10th round. The hosts controlled proceedings from the outset, with early and late goals sealing a deserved victory at the Stadio San Paolo.
Roma, featuring Ivorian forward Gervinho in their lineup, were unable to find a response to Napoli’s intensity and precision in a game that also carried emotional weight, given past tensions between the two clubs. Notably, the fixture was incident-free, a welcome change following violent clashes during the Coppa Italia final meeting between the sides earlier in the year.
Napoli made their intentions clear from the opening whistle. Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuaín struck in just the 3rd minute, converting a low cross with a clinical finish to put the hosts ahead. The early goal set the tone for the match, as Roma struggled to cope with Napoli’s pace and fluid movement in attack.
Despite periods of possession, Roma failed to create meaningful chances, with Napoli’s defence remaining disciplined and well-organised throughout. Gervinho, typically a dynamic presence on the flanks, was kept largely quiet by Napoli’s full-backs, and the visitors lacked a cutting edge in the final third.
As Roma pushed forward late in the game in search of an equaliser, Napoli struck again. Spanish winger José Callejón finished off a swift counterattack in the 86th minute to double the lead and put the result beyond doubt. The goal was Callejón’s sixth of the season, underlining his growing influence in Rafa Benítez’s side.
The result sees Napoli continue their upward trajectory in Serie A, while Roma — who had been chasing league leaders Juventus — were left to reflect on a flat performance in a high-stakes encounter. The defeat marks a setback for Rudi Garcia’s team, who had hoped to maintain pressure at the top of the table.
Speaking after the match, Napoli manager Rafa Benítez praised his team’s execution: “We started strong and showed great balance throughout the match. It was important to stay focused and not allow Roma too many opportunities. I’m very pleased with the team’s maturity today.”
For Roma, the loss not only dents their title hopes but also raises questions about their ability to perform in big matches away from home. With Gervinho and other key attackers unable to make their mark, the capital club will be looking to regroup quickly ahead of a challenging run of fixtures.
Saturday’s clash may not have provided the fireworks of previous meetings between these two rivals, but Napoli’s efficiency and control were more than enough to secure three valuable points in their pursuit of a top-three finish.
