Rasmus Højlund delivered a match-winning performance on Sunday as Napoli reclaimed first place in Serie A with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Juventus at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
The reigning champions moved back above Inter Milan by a single point, simultaneously denting Juve’s pursuit of the Scudetto, as they now sit eight points adrift of the top spot.
The encounter brought added personal significance for visiting manager Luciano Spalletti, who returned to face the club he guided to the 2023 league title.
However, Napoli, now under Antonio Conte, ensured there would be no celebratory comeback for the former boss.
Højlund struck early to give Napoli control, meeting a low, driven cross from David Neres after the winger surged past Teun Koopmeiners on the right flank. The Danish forward beat Lloyd Kelly to the delivery and swept the ball beyond Michele Di Gregorio after just seven minutes.
Di Gregorio produced a superb save to deny Giovanni Di Lorenzo a second goal, tipping his header away from the top corner. At the other end, Francisco Conceição wasted a promising opening for Juve with a wild effort over the bar.
Napoli were inches from doubling the advantage before halftime when Scott McTominay powered a header against the post from another pinpoint Noa Lang cross, allowing Juventus some relief as they reached the break only one goal down.
Controversy followed soon after the restart. Pierre Kalulu escaped a red card despite crunching Mathías Olivera with a studs-up challenge, sparking furious protests from the Napoli bench.
Moments later, Juventus capitalised on the hosts’ frustration. A crisp combination through midfield released Weston McKennie on the right, and his accurate pass picked out Kenan Yildiz, who timed his run to perfection and flicked the ball into the far corner for a stylish equaliser.
But Napoli would not be denied. With 12 minutes remaining, McKennie’s attempted clearance from a deep cross fell straight to Højlund at close range, and the striker reacted instantly to poke home his second of the night, his fourth league goal of the campaign, sending the champions back to the top of the table.
