By Mukwuzi Joseph
Napoli’s perfect start to the season came to an end on Sunday with a 0-0 draw at Roma in Serie A.
Napoli had won all eight of its Italian league matches in a stunning start to the season but it couldn’t find a way past Roma, despite hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession and having a late winner ruled out.
Roma coach José Mourinho was sent to the stands for dissent nine minutes from time. His Napoli counterpart, Luciano Spalletti, was also red carded after the final whistle as the referee judged his applause to be ironic, despite the coach’s fervent protests it was genuine.
Napoli moved back top but is above AC Milan on goal difference alone after the Rossoneri beat Bologna 4-2 on Saturday. Head-to-head is the first tiebreaker in Italy if teams are level at the end of the season.
Defending champion Inter is third and can close the gap to five points if it beats in-form Juventus in the eagerly anticipated Derby d’Italia later. Roma remained fourth.
Mourinho was looking for a reaction after Roma was routed 6-1 by Norwegian team Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League midweek.
And his side almost took the lead in the 27th minute. Tammy Abraham was limping after picking up a knock but still managed to outsprint Napoli defender Amir Rrahmani, before firing wide of the right post.
Napoli should have broken the deadlock on the hour mark but Victor Osimhen hit the right post from point-blank range under pressure, and a desperate tackle by Rick Karsdorp prevented Mario Rui from turning in the rebound. Osimhen also headed the resulting corner onto the top of the bar.
Roma squandered three opportunities in quick succession as Lorenzo Pellegrini twice missed the target and then Gianluca Mancini headed his free kick narrowly over.
Osimhen thought he had won it two minutes from time but his header was ruled out for offside.
