Napoli makes it three at'Atalanta but it’s an injury emergency for Antonio Conte: two heavy knockouts
Napoli returned to the top of the Serie A standings for a night: the Italian champions beat Atalanta 3-1 at the Maradona Stadium in the match valid for the 12th day of Serie A. David Neres and Noa Lang settled the contest in the first 45′ two shingles came in the second half for Conte, who lost Rrahmani and Hojlund to muscle injuries. Scamacca’s goal and Palladino’s debut on the bench were not enough for La Dea: the Nerazzurri slip to 13th place in the standings, their last league victory dating back two months.
Stunning first half for Antonio Conte’s team, which finally gets its wings by sweeping away Atalanta in the first 45′. David Neres is the great protagonist: the Brazilian served by Hojlund unlocks the result on 17′, and on 38′ he doubles, this time with a beautiful diagonal shot on an assist from McTominay. Before halftime came the 3-0, Noa Lang scoring it with a header off a cross from Di Lorenzo.
Atalanta abulic with the light trident, Palladino redesigns the attack by deploying after halftime Scamacca in place of Pasalic: the Azure himself repays him by turning Bellanova′s cross into the net at 52′. La Dea believes in it and gains confidence and conviction, while Conte has to cope with two heavy injuries: first, defense pillar Rrhamani stops (in Juan Jesus), then Hojlund also has to raise the white flag (flexor problem, in Lucca).
Napoli nevertheless grits its teeth and withstands the guests’final assault: the Azzurri return to the top of the standings.
