Atalanta 2-3 Napoli: Lukaku secures late win for Partenopei over La Dea to extend Serie A lead

Romelu Lukaku’s late header gave Napoli a crucial 3-2 win over Atalanta on Saturday, strengthening their position at the top of the Serie A standings. The Belgian striker found the net in the 78th minute, directing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa's cross past Atalanta’s goalkeeper with a glancing header.

Following a 3-0 defeat to Atalanta earlier this season, Napoli now lead Serie A with 50 points, six clear of second-place Inter Milan, who have two games in hand. Atalanta, who suffered their first loss in 17 matches, sit third with 43 points.

Lukaku reflected on the victory, saying, "It was a great performance against a very, very strong team. The 3-0 they won against us stayed in our heads, but we have made a big step up since then and now we need to keep going." He added, "It is another test to see where we are right now, because it’s easy to relax after a victory like this, whereas we need to keep focused and try even harder."

Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui, the league’s top scorer, continued his red-hot form by opening the scoring in the 16th minute. The Argentine forward struck a brilliant left-footed shot into the top corner to give Atalanta the early lead.

Napoli quickly responded, with Matteo Politano equalizing 11 minutes later after a deflected cross fell to him in the box. Five minutes before halftime, Napoli took the lead when Scott McTominay capitalized on a pullback from Anguissa to slot home from close range.

Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman leveled the score in the 50th minute, nutmegging Giovanni Di Lorenzo before driving into the box and firing a low shot into the corner.

Despite continued pressure from Atalanta, Lukaku’s late header proved decisive, securing all three points for Napoli, who will host Juventus next Saturday.

SportsLigue