Juventus continue Scudetto rave by thrashing Napoli in Serie A clash

Juventus have put themselves in the Scudetto title with a 3-0 win against defending champions Napoli.

The victory propelled Luciano Spalletti’s men back into the Scudetto race by taking advantage of a decimated Napoli squad, all thanks to goals from Jonathan David, Kenan Yildiz and Filip Kostic, who pounced on defensive errors of the visitors around penalty appeals.

The Bianconeri went into the clash following a mixed week where they were beaten 1-0 by Cagliari and then defeated Benfica 2-0. 

The Turin club are still without Dusan Vlahovic, Daniele Rugani and Arek Milik due to injury, as Francisco Conceicao replaced Fabio Miretti.

After Vanja Milinkovic-Savic sustained an injury,  the Partenopei injury manager, Antonio Conte, handed Alex Meret his first start since September 28.

Others on the treatment table for the Scudetto holders include David Neres, Matteo Politano, Amir Rrahmani, Pasquale Mazzocchi, Kevin De Bruyne, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa and Billy Gilmour.

 Napoli had an early chance as Eljif Elmas’ effort got charged down and Francisco Conceicao’s cross-shot flashed just wide.

Khephren Thuram was close to opening the goal chat for Juventus in 18 minutes when his right-foot curler from inside the area bounced off the frame of the goal.

Moments after Antonio Vergara’s low drive was smothered, Juventus found the breakthrough. Manuel Locatelli dinked a ball over the top to David, who held off Leonardo Spinazzola to chest and prod home from close range. 

Juventus almost made it two almost immediately when Yildiz released unmarked Conceicao, who beat Meret from 10 yards, but Alessandro Buongiorno got back for a desperate goal-line clearance.

Napoli, in search of an equaliser, started the second half well as David tested Meret while Hojlund drilled his shot wide under pressure from Bremer after a Spinazzola effort was charged down.

Juventus then punished Napoli again by doubling their lead when a terrible Juan Jesus defensive pass was intercepted by substitute Fabio Miretti, who released Kenan Yildiz through to beat the on-rushing Meret.

Romelu Lukaku made his first appearance of the season after that serious thigh injury, but couldn’t disturb the Juve backline.

Juve then made it three as Thuram’s through ball bounced off Buongiorno and fell kindly for Kostic to drill his long-range daisy-cutter into the bottom corner.

Lukaku had a chance to score on his return but threatened a goal on his comeback, but shinned the tap-in when Hojlund pulled back from the left.