The response Antonio Conte was waiting for arrived at the most crucial moment. After the draw against Como and the defeat in Bologna, Napoli rediscovered pace, goals, and character, overwhelming Palladino's Atalanta with a 3-1 victory that secured the top spot, at least for one night. The victory was built on a scintillating first half, led by an unstoppable Neres, who scored twice and split the Nerazzurri defense.
The Italian coach had redesigned his team with a mobile trident of Lang, Neres, and Hojlund, supported by McTominay and Lobotka in the middle and a new three-man defense behind them. The decisions paid off immediately: in the 17th minute, Hojlund played a through ball, Neres beat Ahanor and fired a left-footed shot to make it 1-0. Atalanta tried to respond, but Napoli were fierce and struck again in the 38th minute with the Brazilian, who crossed to the far post and scored his second. Maradona finally came alive at the end of the first half: Di Lorenzo broke away down the right, crossed perfectly, and Lang beat Bellanova to make it 3-0, sending Conte to the break with the game in hand.
Palladino brought on Scamacca, who effectively revived Atalanta: in the 52nd minute, the striker pounced on Bellanova's cross and beat Milinkovic-Savic with a powerful shot. Atalanta raised their game and created several chances, with De Ketelaere and Scamacca often threatening. Napoli struggled and also lost Hojlund to injury, but held firm thanks to a couple of crucial saves from Milinkovic-Savic and their ability to tighten the defense.
In the final minutes, the Azzurri nearly made it four through Di Lorenzo, and Zalewski came close to sealing the victory. Atalanta continued to push but failed to break through, while Napoli secured three valuable points that restored momentum and confidence to Conte's team. Now the focus shifts to Roma, another key step towards confirming their title bid.
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