Lukaku Nets Late Winner in Napoli's 2-1 Victory Over Verona

Romelu Lukaku scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to secure a 2-1 victory for Napoli over Hellas Verona on Saturday, ending the defending champions' four-match winless streak in all competitions and boosting their push for a Champions League spot.

The match at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi in Verona saw Napoli take an early lead in the first minute when Rasmus Hojlund looped a header from Matteo Politano's cross into the net from 12 meters out. Verona equalized in the 65th minute after a controversial corner, with Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro's shot deflecting off Hojlund and past goalkeeper Alex Meret; the goal was credited to Akpa Akpro. Verona nearly stole the points in stoppage time when Meret misjudged a cross, but Kieron Bowie headed wide. Instead, from a short corner, substitute Giovanni Simeone's cross deflected into Lukaku's path, and the 32-year-old Belgian swept it home in the 95th minute for his first Serie A goal since May 23, 2025.

Lukaku's celebration was deeply emotional. He removed his jersey to wipe away tears, earning a yellow card from referee Andrea Colombo for the infraction. The goal marked his return to form after a severe preseason thigh injury that...