Napoli edged closer to Champions League qualification with a commanding 2-1 victory over Torino at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, thanks to first-half goals from Alisson Santos and Eljif Elmas.
Despite Torino showing flashes of threat, the home side’s quality and control proved decisive.
Antonio Conte’s team set the tone from the outset, and it took just seven minutes for the opener.
Alisson Santos, the Brazilian who has quickly endeared himself to Napoli fans, picked up a pass on the edge of the box and unleashed a precise, unstoppable shot into the bottom left corner, a goal that showcased both his confidence and class.
Torino were not completely without chances in the first half. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic made a couple of crucial stops, including a sensational save to deny Nikola Vlasic from close range after a rebound fell invitingly, while Duván Zapata’s powerful strike forced the defence into action.
Yet Napoli’s composure on the ball and sharp passing allowed them to control proceedings comfortably up to halftime.
Zambo Anguissa returned from injury at the break, replacing Vergara to warm applause from the sold-out crowd, adding a much-needed boost to a squad stretched by injuries.
Kevin De Bruyne later entered the fray in the 79th minute, marking his first appearance since October, much to the delight of the Maradona faithful.
The game was effectively sealed in the 68th minute when Eljif Elmas, threaded through brilliantly by Matteo Politano, cut inside his marker and fired a low, unstoppable drive into the corner.
It was a goal of poise and precision that made Napoli’s lead unassailable.
Torino managed to grab a consolation goal in the 88th minute through Cesare Casadei, denying Napoli a clean sheet, but the Partenopei held firm to claim all three points.
The Maradona remains unbeaten in Serie A this season, and with the returning fitness of De Bruyne and Anguissa, Conte’s squad looks set to maintain their momentum as the run-in continues.
