David Neres delivered a sparkling performance on Saturday, scoring twice and assisting another as Napoli defeated Atalanta 3-1 to climb to the top of Serie A.
The Brazilian winger, who had not found the net since January, rediscovered his scoring touch in style.
His opener arrived in the 17th minute when he broke free from his marker and calmly placed a low effort into the far corner.
After nearly a year without a goal, Neres needed just 21 more minutes to strike again, finishing confidently after being teed up by Scott McTominay.
Napoli tightened their grip on the contest just before halftime. Neres turned creator this time, swinging in a precise cross from the right that Noa Lang nodded home for his first goal since arriving from PSV Eindhoven in the summer.
Atalanta substitute Gianluca Scamacca reduced the deficit early in the second half, but his effort was nothing more than consolation for Raffaele Palladino’s side.
Napoli, who had entered the match searching for their first win in November, now sit one point clear of Inter Milan, Roma, and Bologna.
Their stay at the summit may be brief, however, with Roma visiting Cremonese and Inter facing Milan in Sunday’s fixtures.
