Napoli survive SPAL scare as El Shaarawy lifts Roma

AFP, MILAN: Napoli battled past newcomers SPAL 3-2 on Saturday for a sixth straight win to remain top of Serie A as AS Roma cruised past Udinese 3-1.

Maurizio Sarri's side have a maximum 18 points from six games to sit top with Juventus looking to join them later Saturday when they clash against city rivals Torino.

Roma move up to provisional fourth as Stephan El Shaarawy bagged a first-half brace for a third straight Serie A win. But despite sitting 15th in the league SPAL proved to be more than a match for high-flying Napoli.

Pasquale Schiattarella opened the scoring after 13 minutes for the hosts after Mirco Antenucci beat Kalidou Koulibaly to pass on to the player who hails from Naples.

But just a minute later Lorenzo Insigne had pulled Napoli level.

In a dramatic second half Jose Callejon sprung the offside trap to head in on 71 minutes for Napoli before Federico Viviani curled a free kick over the wall to make it 2-2 for SPAL six minutes later.

But Faouzi Ghoulam's goal on 83 minutes proved too much for the side from Emilia Romagna with a great solo run from midfield stealing a victory.

“They created some problems, but we were good at staying united and believing until the end,” said Insigne.

“We struggled, but the important thing in games like this is to get the result and learn from our mistakes.”

Napoli now prepare to host Feyenoord in Champions League action on Tuesday bouyed by having scored 22 goals in six championship games.

Earlier Italian forward El Shaarawy scored twice after Edin Dzeko's 12th-minute opener, as Roma, with a game in hand, move up to fourth with 12 points from five games.

Coach Eusebio Di Francesco said he was delighted that the pieces were beginning to fit into his jigsaw after early criticism of his tactics.

“I see the lads are ready to do what I ask,” said Di Francesco. "El Shaarawy is an ideal forward for my system.

“I saw an excellent team movement. It's a pity we conceded that goal, and we could have scored a few more, but were not determined enough. I can't help but be satisfied with my team.”

Napoli survive SPAL scare as El Shaarawy lifts Roma

AFP, MILAN: Napoli battled past newcomers SPAL 3-2 on Saturday for a sixth straight win to remain top of Serie A as AS Roma cruised past Udinese 3-1. Maurizio Sarris side have a maximum 18 points from six games to sit top with Juventus looking to join them later Saturday when they clash against city rivals Torino. Roma move up to provisional fourth as Stephan El Shaarawy bagged a first-half brace for a third straight Serie A win. But despite sitting 15th in the league SPAL proved to be more than a match for high-flying Napoli. Pasquale Schiattarella opened the scoring after 13 minutes for the hosts after Mirco Antenucci beat Kalidou Koulibaly to pass on to the player who hails from Naples. But just a minute later Lorenzo Insigne had pulled Napoli level. In a dramatic second half Jose Callejon sprung the offside trap to head in on 71 minutes for Napoli before Federico Viviani curled a free kick over the wall to make it 2-2 for SPAL six minutes later. But Faouzi Ghoulams goal on 83 minutes proved too much for the side from Emilia Romagna with a great solo run from midfield stealing a victory. They created some problems, but we were good at staying united and believing until the end, said Insigne. We struggled, but the important thing in games like this is to get the result and learn from our mistakes. Napoli now prepare to host Feyenoord in Champions League action on Tuesday bouyed by having scored 22 goals in six championship games. Earlier Italian forward El Shaarawy scored twice after Edin Dzekos 12th-minute opener, as Roma, with a game in hand, move up to fourth with 12 points from five games. Coach Eusebio Di Francesco said he was delighted that the pieces were beginning to fit into his jigsaw after early criticism of his tactics. I see the lads are ready to do what I ask, said Di Francesco. El Shaarawy is an ideal forward for my system. I saw an excellent team movement. Its a pity we conceded that goal, and we could have scored a few more, but were not determined enough. I cant help but be satisfied with my team.