Napoli, who are chasing the Serie A title, made it seven home league games unbeaten with a comfortable 3-0 win over second-bottom Empoli at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Antonio Conte’s side were in need of a win to keep up with league leaders Inter. Surprisingly though, it was Empoli who started the match better, looking lively but failing to create any real chances. They were made to pay when Napoli hit them on the break, and Scott McTominay had time to pick his spot and score with a low shot from outside the box.
That goal gave Napoli confidence. Matteo Politano forced a save with a curling shot, and then set up David Neres, whose close-range effort was tipped over the bar by Empoli keeper Devis Vásquez. The hosts went into the break 1-0 up.
Before the weekend, Napoli had drawn more matches than any other side in Europe’s top five leagues in the last nine rounds. Determined to avoid another draw, they pushed hard straight after half-time and almost scored again when Juan Jesus headed just over from a corner.
Their pressure paid off soon after. Billy Gilmour passed into the box, Mathías Olivera controlled it well, and played in Romelu Lukaku. The striker made no mistake, smashing in a powerful shot to make it 2-0.
Just five minutes later, the result was beyond doubt. Lukaku crossed for McTominay, who headed in his second goal of the game – his first double since December 2023.
The win keeps Napoli’s hopes of winning the league alive, now just three points behind Inter. Empoli, on the other hand, missed a chance to move out of the bottom three and remain in 19th place, three points from safety.
