Romelu Lukaku struck a dramatic 96th-minute winner as SSC Napoli secured a crucial 2-1 victory away to Hellas Verona F.C., strengthening their grip on a Serie A top-four spot while leaving the hosts seemingly destined for relegation.

Napoli’s recent downturn — which saw them exit the Coppa Italia and fall out of the Scudetto race — meant a response was required, and it arrived almost immediately. Just two minutes in, Matteo Politano’s cross was only partially cleared, allowing Rasmus Hojlund to loop a superb header into the far corner for his ninth league goal of the campaign.

Antonio Conte’s side controlled much of the first half but failed to extend their advantage. Stanislav Lobotka fired over from the edge of the area, while Lorenzo Montipo produced a sharp save low to his left to deny Eljif Elmas.

Højlund nearly doubled his tally when he rounded Montipò, but Victor Nelsson recovered superbly to block the striker’s goalbound effort.

Napoli continued to press early in the second half, with Antonio Vergara firing over, yet Verona began to grow into the contest. Their increased intensity paid off with an equaliser that arrived amid controversy.

Alessandro Buongiorno was furious after a corner was awarded against Napoli, and the visitors’ frustration deepened moments later. Højlund’s attempted clearance fell to Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro, whose strike deflected in off a Napoli defender to level the score.

Napoli needed time to steady themselves but gradually regained control. Only another fine stop from Montipò prevented Elmas from restoring the lead as tension mounted in the closing stages.

Conte introduced Lukaku and former Verona player Giovane in search of a breakthrough, though clear chances remained scarce as the clock ticked into stoppage time.

Deep into added time, the decisive moment arrived. Giovane delivered a teasing cross into the box, and Lukaku reacted quickest, stabbing home from close range for his first club goal since May and sealing just Napoli’s third win in eight matches.

For Verona, the defeat extends a dismal run of one victory in their last 18 home league games. They remain rooted to the foot of the table, nine points from safety and staring at a first relegation since 2018.