Two second-half goals ended Qarabag's resistance as Napoli claimed their second Champions League win of the season at the Stadio Maradona.
After Rasmus Hojlund had seen his penalty saved, Scott McTominay finally broke the deadlock with a header on the hour mark.
Ten minutes later the Scot forced another goal when his acrobatic effort came off Marko Jankovic and ended up in the back of the net.
Antonio Conte praised the team for their performance on the anniversary of Diego Maradona's death.
“It was a special night for Naples and Neapolitans because the memory of Maradona is eternal. We wanted to honour this day with a good performance. There was a great energy and we channelled it on the pitch.
“This team has always been alive. We've had to overcome lots of difficulties due to injuries but the lads have shown real belonging and mental strength.
“I'm happy with our performance and attitude against Atalanta and tonight against Qarabag. We played with great intensity from the off and at half time I told the team that if we kept it up we'd score.
“We must carry on like this, working hard and fighting for everything we can, as we always have. I have an exceptionally hard-working group and I've noticed there's a heightened sense of responsibility, which has helped us overcome the obstacles.”
Match-winner Scott McTominay added:
"We've got a big win. We bossed the game, especially in the second half, and could have scored more goals.
“I'm happy to have scored but the main thing is I do my bit to help the team, even if that means playing a bit deeper. We dedicated this game to Maradona and our amazing fans, who give us so much joy.”
Club captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo also expressed his satisfaction:
“We had to produce a response for our Champions League campaign tonight and we managed that. We really wanted the three points both because we need them and because we wanted to dedicate the victory to Diego.”
“We showed signs of improvement this week. We needed to pull together and respond. We've always been a close-knit group and we showed that unity against Atalanta and Qarabag today. Now we must keep going with the same energy and determination.”
Napoli 2-0 Qarabag (HT 0-0)
Scorers: McTominay, 65, Jankovic OG 72
NAPOLI: Milinkovic-Savic; Beukema (Politano 64), Rrahmani, Buongiorno (Juan Jesus 89), Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Olivera, Neres (Vergara 89), Lang (Elmas 75), Hojlund (Lucca 75).
Coach: Conte.
QARABAG: Kochalski; Silva (Dani Bolt 76) , Mustafazada, Medina (Mmaee 61), Cafarquliyev (Bayramov 76) Bicalho, Jankovic; Andrade (Kashchuk 61), Zoubir, Addai, Duran (Akhundazade 76).
Coach: Qurbanov.
Referee: Marciniak (Poland).
Booked: Medina, Lang, Rrahmani.
