Mertens Scores a Double as Napoli Brush Roma Aside in Serie a Derby
Dries Mertens capped off an impressive performance for his team as Napoli secured a vital 2-0 victory over AS Roma in Serie A.
It’s a result that could weigh heavily come to the end of the season, with the Partenopei side managing to earn three points away from one of the league’s finest sides.
In spite of the buildup for the game and the team’s proximity with each other in the standings, Napoli dominated from the very first minute. The Naples side enjoyed better possession and a higher conversion rate.
The Belgium maestro, Dries Mertens, who was injured for much of the previous months, turned in a great performance for his side managing to score a double in the first half of the game.
Additional praise has to go to manager Gennaro Gattuso. His well-established 4-2-3-1 formation proved too dynamic for Paulo Fonseca’s 3-4-2-1 style. Napoli’s defensive players, especially, Kalidou Koulibaly, Nikola Maksimovic, and Diego Demme enjoyed sound performances throughout.
The result sees Napoli leapfrog AS Roma in the standings. Gennaro Gattuso’s side is currently in fifth place, with one game in hand over rivals Roma, and are eyeing a Champions League spot for next season.