Serie A: Napoli extend lead at the top
Empoli 0 - 2 Napoli
Napoli's impressive form carries on
A goal by striker Victor Osimhen and an own goal by Empoli defender Ardian Ismajli earned Napoli a 2-0 away win in Serie A on Saturday. This extended their lead over second-placed Inter Milan to an incredible 18 points.
The league leaders dominated the clash from kick-off and pushed mid-table Empoli enough to pressure Ismajli into opening the scoring with an own goal in the 17th minute. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sent a lofted pass from the edge of the box to midfielder Piotr Zielinski who saw Osimhen in front of goal but before his cross could reach the striker, Ismajli put the ball in.
It was then 2-0 around eleven minutes ater. Osimhen tapped in a rebound from close range after Empoli keeper Guglielmo Vicario had parried a strike by Kvaratskhelia right into the Nigerian's path.
𝓩𝓲𝓮𝓵𝓸 🤹♂️#EmpoliNapoli 0-1 pic.twitter.com/0z02RONHe8
— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) February 25, 2023
Fan reaction
We managed to speak with one Napoli fan. Diego told us: "Hard to argue against the fact that we have probably been the best team in Europe and I don't think anybody should take us lightly in the Champions League, 24 games, and 21 wins in Serie A, unbelievable job Spalletti has done, they are the real deal."
Jason is a Manchester United fan but has maintained a strong interest in Italian football since the 1990s. He told us: "Napoli are just amazing to watch. They ae going places!"