Monza 0-1 Napoli: McTominay header lifts Partenopei to vital Serie A win over hosts to stay level with Inter Milan
Scott McTominay’s late header gave Napoli a crucial 1-0 victory over Monza in Serie A on Saturday, keeping their title hopes alive as they temporarily moved level on points with league leaders Inter Milan.
In a match that defied the usual expectations of a clash between a title contender and a team fighting relegation, Napoli struggled to find rhythm for much of the game. However, McTominay’s 72nd-minute goal proved decisive, as the visitors claimed all three points despite a largely underwhelming performance.
Napoli, now on 71 points after 33 matches, sit second behind Inter only on goal difference. Inter will have the chance to respond when they visit Bologna on Sunday. Monza, meanwhile, remain anchored to the bottom of the table with 15 points, 11 adrift of safety.
The visitors pushed forward in short bursts during the first half but lacked the finishing touch. McTominay tested Monza goalkeeper Stefano Turati early on with a low free kick, but it was comfortably saved. Defender Amir Rrahmani came close with a header, while Romelu Lukaku’s aerial effort was blocked by Monza’s defense.
Monza, taking confidence from Napoli’s inefficiency in attack, nearly shocked the visitors when Gaetano Castrovilli broke into the box from the right side and fired narrowly wide of the far post before the half-hour mark.
After halftime, Napoli’s frustrations continued, with Matteo Politano presented with a golden opportunity in the 69th minute after a well-placed pass released him into the box. Turati, once again, stood firm to deny the low shot.
The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes later when Giacomo Raspadori floated a pinpoint cross from the edge of the area, which McTominay met with a well-timed header to seal the win.
Despite Napoli’s late winner, manager Antonio Conte will be aware his side needs more consistent quality to stay in the title race. For Monza, the defeat marks their 22nd of the season and deepens their relegation woes, just two years after earning promotion to Serie A for the first time in their history.
SportsLigue