When Napoli crushed Atalanta 3-1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday night, it wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. David Neres, the Brazilian winger who hadn’t scored a goal since January, exploded onto the scene with two goals and an assist, dragging Napoli to the top of Serie A with 25 points after Matchday 12. The 19:45 UTC kickoff in Naples felt electric, not just because of the crowd’s roar, but because this was Napoli’s first win in November—a month that had started with draws and ended with a gut-punch loss to Bologna. Now, they’re leading the table. And for the first time in years, the Scudetto dream feels real again.
A Breakthrough Night for David Neres
It had been 345 days since David Neres last found the net in official competition. Eleven months of frustration, criticism, and quiet doubt. Then, in the 17th minute, he did what he was signed to do: accelerate past a defender, cut inside, and slide a low, precise finish into the far corner. The stadium exhaled. Then roared. Twenty-one minutes later, he turned provider-turned-scorer again, latching onto a crisp pass from Scott McTominay and burying it with his weaker foot. The crowd chanted his name like he’d been here for a decade. He hadn’t just broken his drought—he rewrote it.Noa Lang’s Moment, and Atalanta’s Fading Hope
Just before halftime, Noa Lang made his mark. The Dutch forward, who joined from PSV Eindhoven in the summer, had been quiet since arriving. But when Neres floated a perfect cross from the right flank, Lang rose above two defenders and powered a header past Matteo Carnesecchi. It was his first goal for Napoli—and a moment of redemption for a player many had written off as a squad filler. Atalanta, under new manager Raffaele Palladino, looked disjointed. They had chances, sure, but Napoli’s midfield—led by Stanislav Lobotka and V. Milinkovic-Savic—controlled the tempo like a metronome. Scamacca’s 52nd-minute strike was pretty, a curling shot from the edge of the box, but it was little more than a consolation. Napoli had already won the game by then.
The Bigger Picture: Napoli’s Unexpected Surge
Napoli entered this match on a four-game winless streak—draws against Lazio and Bayer Leverkusen, then that ugly 2-0 defeat to Bologna. Manager Antonio Conte had been under pressure. His trademark intensity had seemed muted. But this performance? This was Conte football: disciplined, relentless, clinical. They didn’t dominate possession—they dominated outcomes. The win moved them to 25 points, one clear of Inter Milan, Roma, and Bologna. The timing couldn’t be better. With Roma facing Cremonese and Inter hosting AC Milan on Sunday, Napoli had the luxury of watching their rivals stumble. They didn’t need to win by six goals—they just needed to win. And they did.Stadium, Referee, and the Weight of History
The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, packed with 54,000 fans in the Fuorigrotta district, pulsed with a rare kind of energy. It wasn’t just noise—it was belief. This is the ground where Maradona once danced, where Napoli last won a league title in 1990. Now, under Conte, they’re building something new. Referee Marco Di Bello kept things tight, allowing the game to flow without unnecessary interruptions. The absence of VAR controversies was a quiet victory in itself. Napoli’s defense, anchored by captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo (who left the pitch at halftime after a minor knock), held firm. Even with Amir Rrahmani and Di Lorenzo substituted, the backline didn’t crack.
What’s Next? The Real Test Begins
Napoli’s next three matches are brutal: away to Juventus, home to Roma, then a trip to AC Milan. This win over Atalanta was a confidence booster, yes—but it’s the next three weeks that will define their season. Serie A is a marathon, not a sprint, and Napoli’s squad depth is still untested against top-tier opposition. Can they keep Neres firing? Can Lang stay consistent? Can Conte manage rotations without losing momentum? The answers will come soon. But for now, Naples is buzzing. And for the first time in over a decade, the title isn’t just a fantasy—it’s a countdown.Frequently Asked Questions
How did David Neres end his 11-month goal drought so suddenly?
Neres had been struggling with confidence and a lack of service from midfield since January 2025. His breakthrough came after Antonio Conte shifted him from the left wing to a more central, inverted role, allowing him to cut inside onto his stronger right foot. The assist from Scott McTominay and improved movement from Noa Lang created space, and Neres capitalized with two clinical finishes—his first goals since scoring against Lazio in January.
Why is Napoli’s position at the top of Serie A significant?
Napoli haven’t led Serie A after Matchday 12 since the 2016-17 season. Their 25 points are their best start to a campaign since winning the title in 1989-90. With Inter and Roma just one point behind, this isn’t just a blip—it’s a legitimate title challenge. Napoli’s goal difference (+16) is also the best in the league, showing both offensive firepower and defensive stability.
Who are Napoli’s main rivals in the title race right now?
Inter Milan, Roma, and Bologna are all tied at 24 points, making them Napoli’s closest challengers. But Inter’s upcoming clash with AC Milan (the Derby della Madonnina) is a potential trap game, while Roma face a tough away fixture at Cremonese. Napoli’s schedule, while tough, has more manageable opponents in the immediate future compared to their rivals.
How has Noa Lang’s performance impacted Napoli’s attack?
Lang’s first goal for Napoli was a turning point. He’s a mobile, intelligent forward who drops deep to link play, which complements Neres’s runs. His header against Atalanta was Napoli’s first goal from a set-piece in five matches, adding a new dimension to their attack. With Victor Osimhen still recovering from injury, Lang’s emergence gives Conte two viable striker options, easing pressure on the Dutchman to carry the team alone.
What does this result mean for Atalanta’s season?
Atalanta’s 13 points after 12 games put them in 8th place—still in the European qualification hunt, but far from the top. Their 7 draws this season show they’re hard to beat, but they lack the cutting edge to win big games. With Raffaele Palladino still finding his footing, the team needs to convert more draws into wins. Scamacca’s goal was encouraging, but without consistent creativity from midfield, they’ll struggle to climb.
Is Antonio Conte finally turning Napoli into title contenders again?
This win is the clearest sign yet. Conte’s system, once criticized for being too rigid, is now working with Napoli’s talent. The midfield is balanced, the defense is organized, and the attack is dynamic. After a shaky start to the season, he’s made tactical adjustments that suit his players—not the other way around. If they keep this form, Napoli could be the first team outside the traditional Big Three to win Serie A since Juventus in 2018.
