Napoli recovered from conceding a third-minute goal by scoring twice in the second half to beat Lecce 2-1 and secure a third straight league win
The visitors took the lead in the third minute when Jamil Siebert rose to head in from a corner and the rest of the first half proved to be difficult for the Azzurri as they struggled to create clear-cut openings.
The Azzurri came out for the second period reinvigorated – with Kevin De Bruyne and Scott McTominay entering the fray – and equalised immediately after the restart: Matteo Politano's low delivery allowed Rasmus Hojlund to turn in from close range and reach double figures for the campaign in Serie A.
Midway through the half, Napoli completed the turnaround when Politano struck the sweetest of volleys at the back post.
Antonio Conte was pleased with his side's performance.
“I'm happy because the match was uphill for us and we responded the right way. It was an important and deserved win that we achieved by showing great character.
“We're getting back some of the players who have been out for many months. We need to gradually bring them back into the team while they return to full fitness. They need to play to readjust to the tempo and intensity.
“I have a group of mature, sensible lads who know that Napoli is the common good and we saw that today. In the second half Scott and Kevin came on and worked for the team – that's the spirit we have here.”
Rasmus Hojlund shared his views after netting his tenth league goal of the season.
“It was an important goal because it got us back on level terms. We played superbly in the second half and deserved to win.
“I have to thank Matteo for his fantastic assist. We have a strong squad and we're really happy to have [Frank] Anguissa, McTominay and De Bruyne back in the team. They're huge players and we we've missed them.”
Matteo Politano explained that he was thrilled for several reasons.
“I'm delighted with the win and also because I got this long-awaited goal. It's a great night for me and for Napoli.
“It was even more special tonight because I was captain and we managed to come from behind through sheer determination.”
Meanwhile Alisson Santos offered his own take.
“I'm happy with the win. We worked really hard to get back in it and it's really important that we managed to take the three points.
“We have a superb team here and I'm enjoying it. My team-mates are amazing and they help me a lot. I tried to score tonight but didn't manage to. The main thing is to help the team move and follow the coach's instructions. Tonight we showed we can build moves.
“Naples is a bit like Brazil with all the passion. I brought my family here and they give me lots of energy too.”
Napoli 2-1 Lecce (HT 0-1)
Scorers: Siebert 3, Hojlund 47, Politano 67.
NAPOLI: Meret; Beukema, Buongiorno, Olivera, Politano (Gutierrez 73), Gilmour, Anguissa (McTominay 46), Spinazzola (Mazzocchi 73) Elmas (De Bruyne 46), Alisson Santos (Giovane 85) Hojlund.
Coach: Antonio Conte.
LECCE: Falcone; Danilo Veiga, Siebert, Thiago, Gallo (Ndaba 79), Ngom (Fofana 86), Ramadani, Coulibaly (Gandelman 46), Pierotti (N'Dri 79), Stulic (Cheddira 59), Banda.
Coach: Di Francesco.
Referee: Abisso (Palermo).
Booked: Siebert.
