Serie A: Lukaku Shines as Napoli Keeps Pressure on Leaders Inter
Romelu Lukaku delivered a standout performance as Napoli secured a convincing 3-0 victory over struggling Empoli, keeping the pressure on Serie A leaders Inter Milan. With this win, Napoli remains just three points behind Inter in the title race.
The Belgian striker was instrumental in the match, scoring one goal and providing two assists, bringing his season tally to 12 goals and 10 assists in Italy’s top flight. Under the guidance of coach Antonio Conte, Lukaku has evolved his game, contributing significantly not only as a scorer but also as a playmaker.
Napoli’s Scott McTominay was the primary beneficiary of Lukaku’s distribution, netting both of Napoli’s other goals. The Scotland international’s first came in the 18th minute, as he drilled a shot from just outside the area after Lukaku showcased his strength and control to set him up.
Empoli, languishing near the bottom of the table and winless in their last 17 matches, posed a threat until Lukaku doubled Napoli’s lead in the 56th minute. Collecting a pass from Mathias Olivera, Lukaku unleashed a powerful left-footed shot to find the back of the net.
Just five minutes later, Lukaku displayed his finesse by providing a perfectly weighted inswinging cross for McTominay, who confidently headed it home for his second goal of the match. McTominay nearly completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute but hit the post after another assist from Lukaku.
This emphatic win keeps Napoli in hot pursuit of Inter, who face a busy schedule ahead, including a Champions League quarterfinal against Bayern Munich and a crucial league match against Bologna, followed by a local derby against AC Milan in the Italian Cup semifinals.
