Lukaku scored a dramatic 96th-minute winner to secure a 2-1 victory for Napoli against relegation-threatened Verona
Romelu Lukaku reminded the league why he is still one of the most dangerous strikers in Italy by snatching a 2-1 victory for Napoli in the final seconds against Hellas Verona.
Victory with the last kick of the game!#VeronaNapoli 1️⃣-2️⃣
💙 #ProudToBeNapoli pic.twitter.com/UOmJZ2xqnH
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) February 28, 2026
After a difficult period that saw the club exit the cup and fall out of the title race, Antonio Conte’s side desperately needed a win to protect their Champions League spot.
The match started perfectly for the Partenopei, who looked determined to erase the memory of their recent slump.
Just two minutes into the game, Matteo Politano delivered a cross that found Rasmus Hojlund in the box. The young Dane made no mistake, looping a clever header into the far corner for his ninth league goal of the season. It was the ideal start for Napoli, suggesting they might be in for a comfortable evening.
Napoli remained the dominant force throughout the first half but failed to capitalize on their many chances.
Stanislav Lobotka and Eljif Elmas both forced Verona goalkeeper Lorenzo Montipo into several impressive saves. Hojlund nearly doubled his lead after successfully rounding the keeper, but a desperate goal-line block from Victor Nelsson kept the hosts in the game as they headed into the halftime break.
The second half began with a surge in intensity from Verona, leading to a controversial equalizer. Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno was furious after a corner was awarded against his side, and his mood worsened when the resulting play led to a goal.
A clearance fell to Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro, whose strike took a lucky deflection off Hojlund and flew into the net. The goal clearly rattled Napoli, who suddenly found themselves in a scrap they hadn’t expected.
In search of a winner, Conte introduced the returning Romelu Lukaku and former Verona player Giovane. Despite the fresh legs, Napoli struggled to maintain their attacks as the game entered the final stages.
Verona’s defensive block held firm, and as the clock ticked deep into stoppage time, it appeared that the struggling home side was going to walk away with a hard-earned and vital point.
However, the game had one final twist in the 96th minute. The two substitutes combined brilliantly as Giovane sent a cross into the area for Lukaku, who pounced on the ball to score his first club goal since May. The goal sparked wild celebrations on the Napoli bench and secured a crucial three points.
With the win, Napoli cemented their top-four status, while Verona remained nine points from safety, having won just one of their last 18 home matches.
