LAST season, Juventus were mathematically confirmed as champions when Roma won this fixture.
This time round, a Napoli victory has effectively handed the Bianconeri the title — as three points at Udinese tomorrow will open up a ten point gap.
Dries Mertens slots past Wojciech Szczesny to give Napoli priceless win over Roma EPA Dries Mertens continued his sensational season with two more goals as Maurizio Sarri’s men warmed up for their massive Champions League clash against Real Madrid in style.
Keep up to date with ALL the Roma news, gossip and transfers on our club page
A mid-season dip saw Napoli’s title challenge all but end — and Roma were left as the only possible challengers to Juventus ’ crown.
However, that now looks shot.
Napoli players celebrate after their massive victory at the Stadio Olimpico Reuters
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Roma players show their disappointment after losing to Napoli at home Getty Images Both sides came into this match on the back of disappointing results in the Coppa Italia.
Napoli lost a controversial tie 3-1 against Juventus, while Roma were beaten 2-0 by derby rivals, Lazio .
And it was the visitors who started the brighter — opening the scoring after 26 minutes.
Mertens was put through by Marek Hamsik, who coolly touches the ball past the onrushing Wojciech Szczesny .
Daniele De Rossi puts in strong challenge in fiercely-contested affair in Rome Reuters And just five minutes into the second half, the lead had been doubled.
This time, Lorenzo Insigne was the provider as the impressive Belgian beat Szczesny at the far post.
His brace at the Stadio Olimpico makes it 22 for the season.
Dries Mertens was the match winner as Napoli ended Roma’s title challenge Getty Images Kevin Strootman pulled a goal back in the 89th minute, but it wasn’t enough.
The result means Napoli are now just two points behind Roma — who will have to start looking over their shoulders rather than in front.
Fourth-place Atalanta are eight points behind with a game in hand.
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