Napoli closed the gap on Inter Milan with a 3-0 win against relegation-threatened Empoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Monday night as the race for the Scudetto gets more interesting.
Inter had established a six points lead on their rivals after a 3-1 victory at the weekend.
Romelu Lukaku proved his worth again by getting a brace of assists for Scott McTominay, scoring one, and he relishes another opportunity to lift the trophy he won with Inter Milan three seasons ago.
The former Inter and Chelsea striker has now reached double figures in goals and assists as they aim for the title again.
This crucial win for Antonio Conte’s men leaves them three points behind table leaders Inter.
They would become joint Serie A leaders if they won the next game against another relegation-threatened side, Monza.
The lanky Belgium striker needed only 18 minutes to provide the first key pass that paved the way for McTominay’s opener. The Scotland international received the ball from the Belgian in central midfield and had time and space to beat Davis Vasquez with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.
Empoli had a chance to restore parity almost immediately, but Emmanuel Gyasi’s header from an excellent position was over the crossbar
A few minutes later, Billy Gilmour had a chance to become the second Scottish goalscorer in the game, but his shot from afar was wide of the near post.
Another opportunity came their way before the break as Sebastiano Esposito received the ball from a Gyasi header and tried to catch Alex Meret off guard with a stunning volley from outside the box, which ultimately resulted in a corner kick for the Tuscans.
Having lost 10 points from winning position this season, Napoli made a strong start in the second half, trying to kill off the game.
Chances came through Juan Jesus, McTominay, and Olivera, but they all failed even to find the target.
The Uruguay international later provided a perfect assist from a central position for Lukaku, who found the net at the near post from inside the box for the second goal.
The Belgian crowned a perfect night with a second assist for McTominay, and the Scotsman scored off the crossbar with a towering header.
The pair linked up for a third time later on, but the Scotsman hit the post after a quick counter-attack.
Napoli suffered an injury blow from Juan Jesus, who had already replaced the injured Alessandro Buongiorno, was forced off the pitch due to a suspected muscle injury and replaced by Rafa Marin, who had not played a competitive match since mid-February.
Lukaku had another chance to bag a brace before being subbed off, but his sliding attempt from a close range was wide of the far post.
As Napoli remain three points behind table leaders Inter, Empoli are yet to record a league win in 2025.
