Napoli secured their fourth consecutive league victory with a dominant 3-0 win over Fiorentina at the Stadio Franchi. Antonio Conte’s team proved once again to be a well-oiled machine, punishing the home side’s defensive lapses. Goals from Neres in the first half, followed by Lukaku’s penalty and McTominay’s strike in the second, sealed the win.
The match was also a tactical duel between the two managers. Palladino opted for a back three and left Gosens and Colpani on the bench after Gudmundsson’s pre-match injury. Despite the adjustments, Fiorentina struggled to keep up. Napoli, missing key players like Buongiorno, Politano, and Kvaratskhelia, adapted brilliantly with Spinazzola playing a dual role, switching from winger to defensive cover in Conte’s fluid 4-3-3 that often shifted to a 5-4-1.
Napoli controlled the early stages, and after several close attempts, Neres broke the deadlock in the 29th minute with a stunning right-footed shot into the top corner after a one-two with Lukaku. Fiorentina responded with more intensity, but Kean’s equalizer was disallowed due to a slight handball. Mandragora came close with a low shot, but Meret’s save preserved Napoli’s lead at halftime.
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In the second half, Napoli remained in control. Anguissa won a penalty after pressuring Moreno into a mistake, and Lukaku calmly converted from the spot, redeeming himself after his recent miss against Venezia. Palladino introduced Colpani and Gosens to bolster Fiorentina’s attack, but despite a few dangerous chances—including Beltran’s header that grazed the post—the visitors' defense held firm.
McTominay put the game to bed in the 68th minute, firing home after a rebound from Comuzzo. Fiorentina fought until the end, with Sottil’s angled shot going inches wide, but Napoli’s defense, the best in the league, shut down any remaining threats and managed the closing minutes with composure.
With 44 points at the halfway stage of the season, Napoli remains the team to beat. All eyes now turn to Atalanta and Inter as they attempt to keep pace in the title race.
