Roma exploit Napoli defeat to secure Serie A top position

On Sunday, Italian title holders Napoli suffered a 2-0 defeat at Bologna, handing the Serie A lead to Roma following their 2-0 victory over Udinese.

Strikes from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Zeki Celik, one before and one after the interval, lifted Gian Piero Gasperinis team to the summit with 24 points from 11 matches.

Roma opened the scoring after Hassane Kamara handled the ball inside the Udinese penalty area, conceding a penalty.

Pellegrini took the kick in the 42nd minute and fooled goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

The capital club confirmed the crucial win shortly after the 60th minute when Celik converted Gianluca Mancinis low cross.

Udinese created openings in the closing 20 minutes to try and level but Roma shot stopper Mile Svilar remained resolute, thwarting Nicolo Zaniolo and then Vakoun Issouf Bayo.

Prior to that, Napoli missed the chance to build on AC Milans stumble against Parma on Saturday, where the leaders drew 2-2 despite a two goal advantage, as they fell at Bologna Stadio Renato Dall Ara.

With no goals in the opening period, Napoli were surprised just five minutes into the second half by Thijs Dallingas accurate effort off a superb left flank pass from Nicolo Cambiaghi.

Bologna confirmed the triumph in the 66th minute, the threat originating from the right flank with Jhon Lucumi heading firmly into Napolis upper right corner.

Bologna rose to fifth place, one point adrift of Napoli. 

Inter Milan, three points back from Roma, could end Sunday atop the Serie A standings with a victory over Lazio, bolstered by their stronger goal tally.

Among other results, Sassuolo triumphed 3-0 over Atalanta while beleaguered Genoa shared a 2-2 draw against rock bottom Fiorentina.