Napoli returned to the summit of Serie A on Sunday night, inspired by a clinical Rasmus Højlund brace that secured a 2-1 victory over Juventus at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, a result that also handed Luciano Spalletti his first defeat since becoming Juventus boss, Softfootball reports
With Kevin De Bruyne still ruled out with a muscle injury and midfield powerhouse André-Frank Zambo Anguissa sidelined for several months, many expected Napoli to struggle for rhythm. Instead, Antonio Conte’s men continued to adapt impressively, with Scott McTominay once again taking command of the midfield and driving the champions forward.
Conte and Spalletti both facing their former Scudetto-winning clubs were seeking a statement result, but it was Napoli who landed the first blow. Only six minutes in, McTominay sent a warning by heading David Neres’ cross inches wide. Juventus didn’t react, and moments later Neres found space on the right to deliver a low cross that Højlund turned in from close range for the opener.
Juve dominated possession afterward but lacked cutting edge, struggling to break down Napoli’s compact block. The hosts nearly doubled their lead midway through the half when Giovanni Di Lorenzo rose highest to force Michele Di Gregorio into a superb fingertip save. McTominay continued to threaten, nodding another chance narrowly off target just before the break, but Conte’s side carried only a slender lead into half-time.
Juventus emerged determined, but Napoli remained sharp. Di Gregorio was again called into action early in the second half, tipping over a powerful Højlund strike after a surging run from the Dane. McTominay, at the heart of everything good for Napoli, went close once more with a low free-kick that shaved the post.
The visitors finally found a breakthrough just before the hour mark. Kenan Yıldız finished off a slick move by exchanging passes with Weston McKennie before beating Vanja Milinković-Savić from an acute angle to level the match.
During the game, Juventus via its official X handle, shared the pitch side reaction of youngster Keenan yilidiz as he pulled the old ladies level. Watch video below:
But Napoli were not done. With 12 minutes to play, Neres found joy again down the right, whipping in a dangerous cross that McKennie inadvertently headed back across goal. Højlund reacted quickest, nodding in his second of the night to restore Napoli’s lead and send the home crowd into raptures.
Conte’s men absorbed Juventus’ late pressure with discipline and maturity, extending their unbeaten home league run to a full year. The victory lifts Napoli back to first place, opening an eight-point gap over Juventus, who remain stuck on just one away win this season.
For a Napoli side still missing key pillars in De Bruyne and Anguissa, this was another powerful statement: the champions are adapting, evolving, and finding new leaders, with McTominay and Højlund at the heart of it all.
