Napoli is on track to win its first Serie A title since 1990 after extending its lead at the top of the table to 19 points over second-placed Lazio with a 2-1 victory against Lecce. The win came thanks to a bizarre own goal from Lecce defender Antonino Gallo. Napoli’s shock 4-0 loss to AC Milan last week was only its third league defeat of the season. The team needs to win nine more games to secure the title.
Napoli’s Dominance in Serie A
Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti acknowledged that Lecce posed a challenge, saying, “The Stadio Via del Mare is a difficult place to play in, and Lecce had good results against all the big clubs, as they are well-organised and give their best in important situations.” Napoli opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Giovanni Di Lorenzo headed home Kim Min-jae’s cross. Lecce equalised in the second half, but momentum disappeared in the 64th minute when Gallo chested the ball back to the keeper, who saw it slip between his gloves and into the net.
Napoli played without Serie A top scorer Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from a thigh strain. Spalletti acknowledged that Osimhen’s absence was felt, saying, “It does become difficult without him because he has this way of running into space, this physicality, he can draw everyone to him, and therefore create the space for his teammates.” The coach did not provide a timeframe for Osimhen’s return, but he praised the medical team for making the right call to keep him out of the game.
Milan held to a goalless draw by Empoli
Meanwhile, Milan was held to a goalless draw by Empoli, leaving them with work to do before Wednesday’s opening leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Napoli. Milan are now third in Serie A with 52 points, trailing second-placed Lazio by three points. In France, Lens beat Strasbourg 2-1 to cut Paris Saint-Germain’s lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table to three points.
