Lukaku's Last-Gasp Stunner and Tearful Tribute: Napoli Edge Verona in Heartbreaker

Picture this: the clock's ticked into the sixth minute of stoppage time, Napoli are clinging on for dear life against rock-bottom Hellas Verona, and who pops up but Romelu Lukaku to smash home the winner. Blimey, the big man's first goal of the season, and it couldn't have come at a better time – or with more emotion. As reported by ESPN News Services for ESPN Italy, the Belgian forward was a blubbering mess at full-time, pointing skyward in a moment that had the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi shaking.

A Proper Nail-Biter in Verona

Napoli roared into an early lead, barely two minutes on the clock. Rasmus Højlund rose like a salmon to nod in a looping header from 12 yards – pure class from the Danish lad. You could've been forgiven for thinking it'd be plain sailing for the defending Serie A champs, but football's a cruel mistress, innit?

Come the 65th minute, disaster struck. Højlund, trying to hoof away a corner, only succeeded in deflecting Jean-Daniel Akpa Akpro's piledriver into the net. Own goal or not, it was credited to the Ivorian, and suddenly it was 1-1. Verona smelled blood, nearly nicking it themselves when Kieron Bowie blazed over after Alex Meret flapped at a cross like a startled pigeon.

But no, fate had other plans. A short corner routine, Giovane whips it in, and Lukaku sweeps it first-time from close range. 2-1 Napoli, last kick of the game. First win in four across all comps – phew, what a relief for the Partenopei.

Big Rom's Brutal Year – But He's Back

This wasn't just any goal for Lukaku. The fella's had a proper nightmare season: just 41 minutes played before a pre-season thigh tear sidelined him. Then, gut-wrenchingly, his dad Roger passed suddenly in September at 58. Last goal? Way back on 23 May. That's months of hurt piling up.

Post-match, chatting to DAZN, Lukaku could hardly string a sentence without welling up. 'Football's given me the lot, but losing Dad hits every day,' he admitted, fighting tears. 'I push on for my girls, my brother, and Napoli – they've been massive for me. Before here, I was done for.'

He'd penned a heartbreaking Instagram tribute back then: gratitude for Roger's guidance, vowing strength from above amid the pain. Saturday? Sky-pointing celebration amid the pile-on. If that doesn't tug the heartstrings, check your pulse, mate.

Scudetto Hopes Flicker Anew

Table-wise, Napoli stay third but claw to 11 points off leaders Inter Milan, who hosted Genoa later that day. Verona? Still nine points from safety, sweating bullets.

For the Azzurri, this gritty 2-1 win snaps a mini-slump. Last season's wonders feel distant in a tough campaign, but Lukaku's return – emotional baggage and all – adds steel. 'We've got to grind for a top finish,' he urged. With the big man's hunger back, who knows? Pour another pint; this title race just got tastier.

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