FOOTBALL: NAPOLI JUMP TO TOP OF SERIE A WITH WIN OVER MONZA
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Agency Report
Napoli saw off lowly Monza 2-0 at home on Sunday to leapfrog to the top of the table with goals from Matteo Politano and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Napoli, who began the previous season as champions and ultimately finished in a disappointing 10th position, have found their winning ways this year, winning four of their first six games under head coach Antonio Conte.
In the 22nd minute, Politano raced in from the right and coolly slotted past the custodian from a close angle to give the home team the lead.
Eleven minutes later, Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian sensation, scored the game’s winning goal when the ball rolled well into his area and he hammered home from a central position.
For the first time since they won the Scudetto in June 2023, Napoli is at the top of the standings, which is a result of Conte’s entrance to the team during the offseason.
After six games, they have 13 points, one more than second-place Juventus and two clear of AC Milan, Inter Milan, and surprising Torino.
Earlier, Torino lost 3-2 at home to Lazio in their first league loss of the season, failing to reclaim first place in Serie A.
Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi gave Lazio the lead in the eighth minute with a strike from right inside the penalty box, setting Torino back.
The excellent loan Arsenal defender Nuno Tavares set up Guendouzi’s goal. Tavares has been a source of support for his teammates. This was his fourth campaign-long assist.
The visitors doubled their lead on the hour, Boulaye Dia sweeping the ball home.
Torino coach Paolo Vanoli’s decision to bring on Che Adams to add some zest to the attack paid off as the Scottish international reduced the deficit seven minutes later for his third goal in three matches.
Vanoli’s frustration got the better of him and he was dismissed from the touchline for dissent in the 74th minute.
His mood darkened as Lazio substitute Tijjani Noslin knocked in their third, just half a minute after coming on, in the 89th minute.
Saul Coco scored a consolation goal in time added on with a fine volley.
“I was really angry at our first half performance,” said Vanoli.
“We played better after the break.
“It is a shame as when we play like we did in the second half we can cause trouble for anyone.”
Torino and Lazio’s five-goal bonanza was followed by two entertaining and action packed encounters.
Roma’s directors and new coach Ivan Juric will hope the come-from-behind 2-1 home win over lowly Venezia will diminish the fans fury at the firing of icon Daniele De Rossi.
There was clearly still some anger as the fans at one end of the ground remained silent for the opening 15 minutes. They found their voices to boo the team off at half-time trailing 1-0.
Goals by Bryan Cristante — which took a mighty deflection — and a late effort from Niccolo Pisilli calmed the febrile atmosphere somewhat.
A brace from Patrick Cutrone inspired Como — managed by former Arsenal and Spain star Cesc Fabregas — to a second successive victory, beating 10-man Verona 3-2.
Elsewhere, Empoli played out a goalless stalemate at home to Fiorentina.
AFP
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