Opinion: Five things we learned from Roma 1-0 Napoli

Roma beat Napoli 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday, thanks to Radja Nainggolan’s vital late strike.

The result means the Giallorossi are now just two points behind Maurizio Sarri’s side in the race for second in Serie A, with three vital games remaining.

Here are five things we learned from Monday’s clash:

1. Roma are right back in the hunt

By defeating second placed Napoli 1-0, Roma have now propelled themselves to within just two points of the Partenopei and the final automatic Champions League qualification spot. The win was additionally important because, if the two were to finish level on points at the end of the season, the Giallorossi's superior head-to-head record would then see them claim second place.

The remaining fixture list perhaps favours Napoli, but Monday’s victory means Luciano Spalletti’s side still have everything to play for.

"If you look at how many matches remain and who Napoli have to face, I think it's a tough ask but we'll give it a shot," an optimistic Spalletti said about his team's chances of obtaining second.

2. Seydou Keita keeps things ticking over in style

Seydou Keita once again showed why he's such an integral component of this Roma outfit by putting in a terrific performance from his position at the base of midfield. Playing alongside Miralem Pjanic, Keita's astute positioning, remarkable ability to read the game and aggression in the tackle saw him do a fine job of making it difficult for the Napoli midfielders - especially his direct opponent, Allan - to have the level of dominance they are accustomed to.

In addition, the experienced campaigner was also a vital part of Roma's work in possession, as he moved the ball around with customary composure, precision and simplicity, while also taking up clever positions in which to receive possession.

2. Spalletti's incredible impact continues

This latest result means Roma have now extended their unbeaten run to a whopping 14 matches. Having won 11 of those games, coach Spalletti certainly deserves praise for the way he's reinvigorated this Roma side and instilled some much needed unity and confidence into the squad.

"When I arrived it was hard to imagine a run like this, and in fact I don't think we've praised the players' work in the second half of the season enough," he said.

"They stepped up to the plate and earned this position through every game and training session. This is a big achievement and a lot of credit should go to the team."

4. Nainggolan gets reward for impressive forward role

Starting the match as Roma's trequartista in Spalletti's 4-2-3-1 formation, Radja Nainggolan played a vital role in his side's eventual victory. From the outset, Nainggolan’s relentless pressing of Napoli's central defenders and midfielders made life very difficult for them, restricting their ability to implement their usual slick passing game. The Belgian's sheer work rate and intensity undoubtedly set the tone for his colleagues to follow.

By performing subtle, well-executed switches with Diego Perotti, who ostensibly operated as Roma's centre forward, Nainggolan's role ended up seeing him enjoy spells playing as striker. He didn't look out of place so high up the pitch either, embarking on some incisive runs in behind as he also worked the channels and even held the ball up like an experienced No. 9.

Scoring his side's crucial late winner was the perfect reward for Nainggolan’s superb body of work.

5. Szczesny makes a telling contribution

The performance of Wojciech Szczesny on Monday was undoubtedly key in ensuring Roma kept an all-important clean sheet against a wildly talented Napoli frontline. In particular, he made some superb saves to deny the lethal Gonzalo Higuain – one in each half – and keep his side on level terms.

The way the Pole authoritatively commanded his area and communicated with his teammates was another key aspect of his exemplary outing, in what was quite possibly his best performance of the season.