)
Victor Osimhen scored a brace and assisted another as Napoli dismantled Juventus
Napoli extended their lead at the top of Serie A to 10 points with a stunning 5-1 thrashing of second-placed Juventus inspired by top scorer Victor Osimhen.
Napoli faced what many considered to be their first real test in their 2022/23 title charge in Juventus who had won eight straight league games without conceding.
But Luciano Spalletti's men had recent history on their side as Napoli had won their last three home games against the Bianconneri, a run which they extended to four in spectacular fashion.
Victor Osimhen and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia both combined to rip the Juventus defence apart in the first half to establish a 2-1 half-time lead as Angel Di Maria pulled one back for the visitors.
)
Both players wreaked further havoc to ruin Juve's comeback plans in the second half with Kvaratskhelia assisting two more goals to make it 4-1 including Osimhen's second.
Eljif Elmas added a fifth to complete the humiliation of The Old Lady in the 72nd minute and seal what was a truly memorable win for Napoli to send them 10 points clear at the summit and demote Juventus to third behind AC Milan on goal difference.
How it happened
Napoli were backed by a vociferous home crowd at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona which came in handy when they opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Victor Osimhen the most likely source.
Osimhen pounced to head home the rebound after Kvaratskhelia's acrobatic effort had been initially saved by Wojciech Szczesny.
)
The hosts would double their advantage in the 39th minute through Kvaratskhelia who profited from Osimhen’s selfless pass in front of goal to tuck the ball into the bottom corner.
Juventus responded almost immediately as Angel Di Maria benefited from a mix-up in the Napoli defence to curl home and give Allegri's men some hope going into the break.
That Bianconneri hope did not last long as Napoli made it three just 10 minutes into the second half through Amir Rrahmani's striker assisted by Kvaratskhelia.
Juventus continued to contribute to their own downfall as Gleison Bremer lost possession near his own box in the 65th minute, and Kvaratskhelia pounced to put in a cross for Osimhen to head home and make it a resounding 4-1 with his 12th goal of the season.
)
The rain just kept pouring for Juventus as Elmas's shot deflected in off Alex Sandro to make it 5-1 and seal an unforgettable night for Spalletti's men.
Key talking point
As far as talking points go, there are quite a few in this game but none more important than Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
)
The Nigerian striker is having the season of his life having already scored 12 league goals, just two shy of his highest season tally of 14 last season.
Osimhen has also obliterated the notion that he struggles in big games by turning up on the biggest stage for Napoli in the league this season.
Having previously played against Juventus twice in the past without scoring, Osimhen stood up to be counted when the lights shined brightest with two goals and an assist to establish himself as the undisputed best player in the league this season.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)