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02/28 13:34 CST Lukaku's last-gasp goal ends Napoli's winless run at Hellas
Verona
Lukaku's last-gasp goal ends Napoli's winless run at Hellas Verona
By DANIELLA MATAR
AP Sports Writer
MILAN (AP) --- Romelu Lukaku's first goal of the season with the last kick of
the match ended Napoli's winless run on Saturday.
Lukaku, who had played just 41 minutes this campaign following a serious
preseason thigh injury, pounced in the sixth minute of stoppage time to help
Napoli win at bottom club Hellas Verona 2-1.
The 32-year-old Lukaku appeared to tear up when the final whistle blew seconds
later. His last goal was on May 23.
It was Napoli's first win in four matches in all competitions. The defending
Serie A champion remained third in the league table but inched to within 11
points of leader Inter Milan, which was hosting lowly Genoa later.
Verona remained nine points from safety.
Napoli got off to a great start as Rasmus Hojlund's looping header from 12
meters gave it the lead after less than two minutes.
However, Hojlund was also involved in the equalizer in the 65th. He attempted
to clear a Verona corner but it came out to Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro, whose shot
was deflected in by Hojlund. The goal was credited to Akpa Akpro as the initial
shot was on target.
Verona almost won it in stoppage time but Kieron Bowie couldn't keep his
attempt on target after Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret flapped aimlessly at a
cross.
And instead it was Napoli which snatched the win. A corner was played short and
eventually crossed in by Giovane for fellow substitute Lukaku to sweep in first
time from close range.
Earlier, Como came from behind to win at relegation-threatened Lecce 3-1.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
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