Napoli 2-4 Roma: Match report, reaction and key statistics

The Giallorossi went behind early on to the Serie A pacesetters, as Lorenzo Insigne scored after just six minutes. But Cengiz Under equalised barely a minute later, setting the scene for Edin Dzeko to score a brace either side of half-time to turn the game around completely.

Diego Perotti then wrapped up an unforgettable victory with 15 minutes remaining - as Dries Mertens' injury time strike proved nothing more than a consolation for the hosts.

The result, coupled with Lazio's earlier defeat to Juventus, means the Giallorossi move back up to third in the table.

Napoli remain top, but Juve are now a point behind with a game in hand.

Coach Eusebio Di Francesco had a fine team performance to thank for an important three points: with all three of his attackers getting on the scoresheet and his defence putting in a determined and impressive display.

A raucous San Paolo was quietened over the course of the game, with Dzeko in particular stunning the crowd with a brilliant, towering first-half header - which he followed up with a pinpoint curling shot midway through the second half.

If Cengiz's early equaliser had a slice of luck with a deflection, then Perotti's clincher was as emphatic as they come - as the Giallorossi bounced back after last weekend's disappointing home defeat against AC Milan.

Team selection

Both Edin Dzeko and Radja Nainggolan started for the Giallorossi at the Stadio San Paolo.

Dzeko was a substitute for last weekend's game against AC Milan but returned to the starting line-up for this one, while Nainggolan continued in midfield despite requiring surgery in midweek after losing a tooth in the Milan match.

Key moments

FIRST HALF

2' - Big early chance for Roma - Radja breaks clear and crosses for Perotti, who narrowly heads over from just yards out!

3' - Mertens gets in behind the defence but Florenzi puts him off just enough for the striker to hit a weak shot straight at Alisson. Lively start!

6' - Goal. Napoli lead. Insigne turns home a low cross from the left via the aid of a slight deflection. 1-0.

7' - GOAL! LEVEL! Nainggolan plays Cengiz in behind the defence, and the in-form winger takes an early shot that loops up off the covering defender, over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net! 1-1!

17' - Big save from Alisson! The Brazilian dives to his right to make an incredible stop to deny Insigne, and then Manolas is on hand to block the rebound!

20' - Another speculative shot from Insigne is dealt with by Alisson.

21' - GOAL! ROMA LEAD! Roma take the lead, and it's a brilliant header from Edin Dzeko! After an incisive passing move into the final third, the ball eventually falls to Florenzi on the right - who puts in an inviting cross that the striker powers back across goal and in! YES! 1-2!

31' - Mertens drags a low shot from inside the area narrowly wide.

37' - Dzeko's low shot from outside the box is saved and held by Reina.

41' - Callejon finds Insigne in a dangerous position inside the box, but the forward can only shoot straight at Alisson.

45' - Cengiz fires narrowly wide after another good passing move from the visitors.

See more images in our dedicated match gallery.

SECOND HALF

48' - Perotti wants a penalty after a coming together with Hysaj inside the box, but the referee is not interested.

51' - Chance for Napoli: Mertens' shot is deflected kindly into the path of Callejon, but he fires well over from a tight angle.

55' - Mertens and Fazio are both booked, following an altercation after the Napoli forward appeared to deliberately trip the defender.

58' - Insigne has the chance from inside the box but Alisson gets down to his right to make another important save.

66' - Insigne flashes a curling shot narrowly wide of the far post, with Alisson only able to watch on. Close for Napoli.

73' - GOAL! ROMA DOUBLE THEIR LEAD! An absolute beauty of a left-footed curler from outside the box from Dzeko and the Giallorossi are two goals ahead! YES!!!! 1-3!

75' - Vital double save from Alisson to deny Insigne. What a 'keeper!

79' - GOAL! IT'S FOUR! The ball falls kindly to Diego Perotti inside the Napoli box, and he makes absolutely no mistake with a thumping first-time finish beyond Reina! GET IN!! 1-4!

83' - Napoli are awarded an indirect free-kick six yards out. The ball is laid off for Mertens but Florenzi makes the clearance right on the line!

90' - Goal. Napoli get one back in the final moments as Mertens drives home from the edge of the box. 2-4.

Key match statistics

See more game statistics in our dedicated match centre.

Social media reaction

Roma reaction

“I don't count how many goals I scored when and where; I let other people look at the statistics. I am happy, though. I'd been waiting a long time to get back on the scoresheet and I managed it tonight.“We're not looking that far ahead. We're just thinking of our next match against Torino in the league, a game we absolutely must win. We'll try to play the same way we did tonight and pick up another three points before we play in the Champions League again.”

- Edin Dzeko

“The team that makes the fewest mistakes wins and today we made fewer than Napoli. It's not easy to put four past Napoli as they have one of the best defences in the league.

“We must keep working hard on the mental side of our game. Today we showed that we're strong physically, that we have an identity, ideas and a mentality. It annoys me that I have to rediscover that today. But I can't not be happy tonight.”

- Eusebio Di Francesco

What's next?

The Giallorossi are back in Serie A action on Friday, as they host Torino at the Stadio Olimpico.

Then comes the return leg of the Champions League last-16 tie with Shakhtar Donetsk, as the Ukrainian champions come to town on Tuesday 13 March.

NAPOLI 2-4 ROMA

Goalscorers: Lorenzo Insigne (6'), Dries Mertens (90'); Cengiz Under (7'), Edin Dzeko (26', 73'), Diego Perotti (79').

Napoli: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Mario Rui; Allan, Jorginho, Zielinski; Callejon, Mertens, Insigne.

Roma: Alisson, Florenzi, Manolas, Fazio, Kolarov; De Rossi (El Shaarawy), Strootman, Nainggolan; Cengiz (Gerson), Perotti (Pellegrini), Dzeko.