Player Ratings: Napoli 1-0 Roma – Di Lorenzo even better than Lukaku

Italy international Giovanni Di Lorenzo is Football Italia’s Man of the Match in Napoli’s 1-0 win over Roma.

Romelu Lukaku scored the winner at the Stadio Maradona on Sunday, ruining Claudio Ranieri’s return to the Giallorossi dugout.

Napoli put in a solid performance, and even if they mostly played on the counter-attack after Lukaku’s goal in the second half, they had the best opportunities in the game and arguably deserved to take all three points.

Their next match is away against strugglers Torino on December 1.

Napoli vs Roma – Player ratings

Napoli: Meret 6; Di Lorenzo 7.5, Rrahmani 7, Buongiorno 7, Olivera 7; Anguissa 7, Lobotka 6.5, McTominay 6; Politano 6.5, Lukaku 7 (79′ Simeone N/A), Kvaratskhelia 5.5 (67′ D. Neres 6.5). Coach: Conte 6

Best Napoli player: Di Lorenzo 7.5 – Even better than match-winner Lukaku. The Italy international was brilliant defensively and provided a superb assist for the winner. Awarded by Lega Serie A as well. A brilliant season so far for the Napoli captain.

Lowest Napoli rating: Kvaratskhelia 5.5 – This time, the Partenopei didn’t need his magic to win the game. He was subbed off pretty early and didn’t seem happy.

Napoli coach: Conte 6 – It was not a scintillating performance from the Partenopei, but they did create enough goal-scoring opportunities to justify a victory. They are back to the top of the table.

Roma: Svilar 6; Celik 6 (79′ Abdulhamid N/A), Mancini 6 (88′ Dybala N/A), Ndicka 6, Angelino 5; El Shaarawy 5.5 (46′ Hummels 5), Koné 6, Cristante 6, Pisilli 5 (79′ Dahl N/A); Pellegrini 5.5 (46′ Baldanzi 5.5); Dovbyk 5.5. Coach: Ranieri 5

Best Roma player: It’s hard to pick a standout performer for the Giallorossi. Manu Kone did pretty well in the opening 60 minutes but looked exhausted in the final part. Overall, the Giallorossi were way more committed than under Ivan Juric, and the attitude was positive, but they lacked quality in the final third, which is why Paulo Dybala’s late introduction will raise eyebrows.

Lowest Roma rating: Hummels 5 – Entered the pitch during the break but was beaten by Romelu Lukaku for Napoli’s winner. Angelino didn’t help the ex-Borussia Dortmund star as he was surprised by Di Lorenzo’s late run inside the box.

Roma coach: Ranieri 5 – He indeed has questions to answer. Dybala was introduced in the final three minutes, and Soulé spent the whole match on the bench even if Roma desperately needed quality in the final third. However, the Giallorossi showed a better attitude. At least, it’s a starting point.