Napoli secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Venezia on Sunday, moving level on points with Serie A leaders Atalanta.
Despite a missed opportunity from Romelu Lukaku, whose 37th-minute penalty was saved by Venezia goalkeeper Filip Stankovic, Giacomo Raspadori stepped up to secure the win. He capitalized on a defensive error, slotting home the decisive goal in the 79th minute.
This marks Napoli’s third consecutive victory, placing them alongside Atalanta with 41 points after 18 matches. Atalanta, who drew with Lazio on Saturday, maintain the top spot on goal difference.
Napoli coach Antonio Conte expressed satisfaction with his team’s progress, saying, “Totalling 41 points after 18 matches—nobody, even the most optimistic, thought we could do it at the start of the season. But we still have to improve; we’re a developing team.”
Inter Milan, currently in third place after a commanding 3-0 win over Cagliari on Saturday, trail the top two by just one point and hold a game in hand.
Next weekend promises significant drama in the title race. Napoli will face Fiorentina with a chance to take sole possession of the lead, while Atalanta and Inter clash in the Italian Supercup in Saudi Arabia.
