Roma’s winning run was interrupted at San Paolo in a Serie A game under the local tribute to Argentinian star Diego Maradona, who passed away on Wednesday evening. Pedro Rodríguez's side slipped to defeat 4-0 in this Serie A big-guns contest, where the efforts by the visitors were unrewarded. Pedro formed on the starting line-up and worked hard to get a goal during the 90 minutes he was on the pitch. The focus turns now to the Europa League, with a fixture scheduled next Thursday at the Olímpico against Young Boys.
And it was a bad night for giallorossi despite a good start. In the third minute, Pedro tried to score the opener with a shot from the Edge of the box. Insigne had a good chance for the locals, with a shoot out near Mirante's post.
Gatusso's team increased the pressure until they found a reward with the first goal after half an hour as Insigne netted the opener. Shortly after another setback came with Mancini’s blow, replaced shortly by Juan Jesús. Before the break, Mertens was close to adding a second goal to the local advantage but he was denied by Mirante.
Veretout was also forced to replacement after the break as Villar came onto the pitch. Mirante kept stopping Napoli, with a superb save to a shot from Lozano. Roma reacted with strong aim and fought hard for the equalizer, but the Spanish international Fabián scored the 2-0 with a left-footed drive.
The second goal was a heavy load for the visitors and in the final stage of the game Mertens hunt down a rebound from Mirante to score the third for the locals. Politano added to the scoresheet in minute 86’ to make it the final 4-0.
- Match stats:
SSC Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Manolas, Koulibaly, Mario Rui; Fabian Ruiz, Demme (83’ Lobotka); Lozano (67’ Politano), Zielinski (78’ Elmas), Insigne; Mertens (83’ Petagna)
AS Roma: Mirante; Mancini (38’ Juan Jesus), Cristante, Ibanez; Karsdorp, Veretout (46’ Villar), Pellegrini (34’ Borja Mayoral), Spinazzola; Mkhitaryan, Pedro; Dzeko (71’ Perez)
Bookings: Di Bello di Brindisi booked Ibañez (29’), Di Lorenzo (32’) y Cristante (77’).
Goals: 31’ Insigne, 64’ Fabian Ruiz, 81’ Mertens, 86’ Politano.
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