Napoli kept their Serie A title hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 victory over Monza at the U-Power Stadium, courtesy of a second-half header from Scott McTominay. The result sees Antonio Conte’s side temporarily move level on points with Inter at the top of the table, as the pressure on the reigning champions continues to mount ahead of their clash with Bologna.
The match, valid for the 33rd round of the Italian top flight, was far from straightforward for the visitors, who struggled to find rhythm and intensity throughout a difficult first half. Trying to avoid relegation, Monza produced a determined display and created several clear-cut chances, but were ultimately made to pay for their missed opportunities.
Napoli appeared uncharacteristically flat in the opening stages. The midfield lacked urgency, and Monza were able to threaten on the break. The first real chance for the visitors came from a free-kick, with McTominay forcing a sharp save from Michele Turati. Conte’s men gradually grew into the game, with defender Amir Rrahmani going close from a corner and Romelu Lukaku seeing a powerful header deflected narrowly over the bar.
Monza’s response was immediate and dangerous. Razvan Marin forced Alex Meret into a low save with a long-range effort, before Gaetano Castrovilli squandered a golden opportunity following a clever run from the right. His first-time strike with the outside of his foot lacked the necessary bend, letting Napoli off the hook.
The hosts continued to press, with Dany Mota twice going close in quick succession. First, he redirected a cross from close range, nearly catching Meret off guard, and then attempted an audacious backheel flick, which failed to generate enough power to trouble the Napoli keeper.
The first half ended goalless, but Monza were the better side. Napoli looked rattled, their midfield disjointed, and Conte was visibly frustrated on the touchline.
At the start of the second half, Conte introduced André-Frank Zambo Anguissa in place of Billy Gilmour in an attempt to restore some control in midfield. Despite the change, Napoli struggled for fluidity and found it difficult to penetrate Monza’s well-organised defensive lines.
The turning point came with the introduction of Giacomo Raspadori, who brought much-needed energy and creativity to the Napoli attack. With just over 20 minutes remaining, he slipped an excellent through ball to Matteo Politano, who found himself one-on-one with Turati. However, the Monza goalkeeper produced a brilliant stop to deny what looked like a certain goal.
The breakthrough arrived moments later. Once again, it was Raspadori involved, delivering a precise cross into the area, which McTominay met with a perfectly timed header. The Scottish midfielder, who has emerged as a key figure for Napoli this season, made no mistake from close range, punishing a rare lapse in concentration from the Monza back line.
Napoli could have doubled their advantage late on through Giovanni Simeone, but the Argentine forward’s powerful effort was once more parried by the excellent Turati.
Monza pushed forward in search of an equaliser, committing players into the final third, but Napoli held firm. Despite a few nervy moments in stoppage time, the visitors saw out the win and celebrated a hard-earned three points at the final whistle.
The result leaves Monza teetering on the brink of relegation, while Napoli, rejuvenated under Conte’s leadership, keep the Scudetto dream alive. All eyes now turn to Inter, who face a potentially tricky fixture away to Bologna as the title race heats up in the final stretch of the season.
