Romelu Lukaku powers Napoli past Empoli to stay close to Inter in Serie A title race

Lukaku’s goal and two assists lift Napoli to a 3-0 win over Empoli, keeping them within reach of league leaders Inter Milan.

Romelu Lukaku of Napoli reacts during the Serie A match against Empoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples, Italy, on April 14, 2025. (c) Image Photo Agency

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Romelu Lukaku powers Napoli past Empoli with a dominant display on Monday night, scoring once and providing two assists in a 3-0 win that kept the southern Italian club just three points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan. The Belgian striker was at his brilliant best in Naples, showcasing his strength, vision, and finishing as Napoli made sure the title race remained alive.

Lukaku’s influence has grown tremendously this season under coach Antonio Conte. On Monday, he was directly involved in all three goals, helping teammate Scott McTominay find the net twice and adding a powerful strike of his own to seal victory. His current tally of 12 goals and 10 assists in Serie A is proof of his evolution from a traditional target man to a complete forward, blending scoring with creative play.

Lukaku’s leadership shapes Napoli’s title charge

Since arriving from Chelsea last summer as a replacement for Victor Osimhen, Lukaku has silenced critics and exceeded expectations. Despite early doubts about his fitness and form, he has proven to be the central figure in Napoli’s push for a second Scudetto in three years.

More than just a goalscorer, Lukaku has become a vocal leader on the pitch. Speaking after the game, Scott McTominay offered insight into Lukaku’s presence in the squad.

“Romelu’s obviously a great teammate,” McTominay told DAZN. “He’s very demanding. He wants more from everyone – not just himself, but from me and the entire team. He pushes us to score, to assist, to dominate.”

That drive was evident on the pitch at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

The goals that kept Napoli close to Inter

Napoli opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Lukaku held off his marker near the edge of the box before threading a clever ball into McTominay’s path. The Scottish midfielder didn’t hesitate, smashing a low drive into the bottom corner from just outside the area.

Though Empoli had chances and showed signs of resistance in the first half, their lack of confidence was clear. With no wins in 17 matches, they were always vulnerable — and Lukaku was quick to exploit that in the second half.

In the 56th minute, Mathias Olivera picked out Lukaku with a simple pass at the top of the box. The 31-year-old took a quick touch before rifling home with his left foot, doubling Napoli’s lead and effectively ending Empoli’s hopes of a comeback.

Five minutes later, Lukaku showcased another side of his game. Drifting wide to the left, he whipped in a curling inswinging cross that found McTominay's head at the far post. The midfielder nodded it home with confidence, completing his brace and putting the game beyond Empoli’s reach.

Almost a hat-trick for McTominay

The chemistry between Lukaku and McTominay, forged during their time together at Manchester United, was evident throughout the match. In the 66th minute, the pair almost combined for a third time, with Lukaku setting up McTominay one-on-one with goalkeeper Devis Vasquez. But luck wasn’t on McTominay’s side, as his low shot rolled off the post.

Still, the two-goal performance highlighted McTominay’s growing role in Napoli’s midfield, as well as Lukaku’s ability to elevate those around him.

Empoli’s struggles deepen

For Empoli, Monday night was another grim chapter in a season of despair. Second from bottom in the table and winless in their last 17 Serie A outings, their situation grows more desperate with each passing week. Though they had a few threatening moments, their lack of cutting edge in the final third and frail defense ensured they were never truly in the match after halftime.

Coach Davide Nicola has struggled to revive the squad’s form, and their road to survival looks daunting.

Inter under pressure as schedule tightens

While Romelu Lukaku powers Napoli in their domestic campaign, Inter Milan face a more hectic and demanding stretch. The league leaders are gearing up for a high-stakes Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich this week, followed by a tricky Serie A match away at Bologna.

Adding to the pressure, they will also face city rivals AC Milan in the Italian Cup semi-finals soon after. It’s a congested and physically demanding calendar that could offer Napoli the opening they need to close the gap.

Unlike Inter, Napoli have the luxury of focusing entirely on the Serie A title. With no European or domestic cup distractions, they can approach each remaining match with fresh legs and total commitment.

Favorable schedule ahead for Napoli

From now until the end of the season, Napoli only face one team currently in the top half of the table — 10th-placed Torino. Their remaining fixtures include winnable matchups against teams fighting relegation or stuck in mid-table.

That soft run-in, combined with their current eight-game unbeaten streak, puts Napoli in a strong position to capitalize on any slip-ups from Inter. Conte’s squad looks sharp, disciplined, and unified — all qualities that will be crucial in the final weeks of the season.

A transformed Lukaku leads Napoli’s resurgence

Perhaps the biggest story, though, is the transformation of Lukaku. Once known purely for his physicality and goal scoring, the Belgian striker now stands out as a playmaker, leader, and match-winner in every sense. His ability to involve teammates, hold up play, and deliver in big moments has been central to Napoli’s resurgence.

Twelve goals and ten assists in Serie A is a stat line that few can match this season — and more than that, it reflects a player who has grown both mentally and technically.

As the title race heats up, Romelu Lukaku powers Napoli with a sense of belief that this side can go all the way. With performances like Monday’s against Empoli, the Scudetto dream remains very much alive.