Victory in Bergamo!
Napoli overcame a determined Atalanta side in Bergamo to rack up a sixth successive league win and extend their lead at the top of the table.
Mateo Retegui drew first blood for the hosts but Matteo Politano smashed home an equaliser then a fine finish by Scott McTominay saw us take the lead heading into the break.
Ademola Lookman restored parity shortly before the hour mark but then a towering header by Romelu Lukaku in the 78th minute clinched victory.
After the final whistle, Antonio Conte pointed to the progress his team has made in recent months.
“We've improved a lot since the reverse fixture when Atalanta put three past us. It was a different game today, two and a half months later, and we showed our strength.
“We're making progress despite the difficulties we have with injuries and transfer situations. We're up at the top and we're not complaining. We must push on, keeping our heads down. The lads' commitment and dedication to the cause is exemplary.
“We have to keep looking forward and try to get the most out of these players. They'll never let me down as far as their commitment is concerned. We'll try to continue along this path.”
Man of the match Matteo Politano, who scored Napoli's first of the evening to level the scores, was thrilled to return to the score sheet for the first time since September.
“I hadn't scored for a while so I'm delighted today. The boss asked me to show lots of movement and track back and I managed to score as well. I think it was one of our best games attack-wise.
“We've got a fantastic, close-knot group here. I'm really happy to be a part of this squad and we'll do everything we can to maintain the work we're doing and go as far as possible.”
Romelu Lukaku recognised it was a big three points against a direct rival but refused to get carried away, with almost half the season still to play.
“It was an important goal but we can't call it a 'Scudetto goal' because there's still a long way left to go. There was a lot riding on this match and we showed our maturity. We've taken a big step forward but we must keep growing because the road is long.”
Atalanta 2-3 Napoli (HT 1-2)
Scorers: Retegui 17, Politano 27, McTominay 41, Lookman 56, Lukaku 78.
ATALANTA: Carnesecchi; Scalvini (Brescianini 83), Hien, Djimsiti, Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri (Ruggeri 68), Samardzic (Pasalic 77), Lookman (Zaniolo 77), Retegui (De Katelaere 68).
Coach: Gasperini.
NAPOLI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus, Olivera, Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay, Politano (Mazzocchi 82), Neres (Spinazzola 73), Lukaku (Simeone 84).
Coach: Conte.
Referee: Colombo (Como).
Booked: Neres, Djimsiti, Scalvini, McTominay, Hien, Ruggeri.
