David Neres didn’t just end an 11-month goal drought—he reignited Napoli’s title hopes. The Brazilian winger scored twice and set up another in a 3-1 thrashing of Atalanta at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Saturday, November 22, 2025, catapulting Napoli to the top of Serie A after a three-game winless streak that had fans nervously glancing at the table. It was the kind of performance that silences doubters, turns momentum, and reminds everyone why this city still dreams of a scudetto. The 54,726-capacity stadium, renamed in honor of the late Diego Armando Maradona, erupted like it hadn’t since the 2023 title run.
A Winger’s Redemption
Neres hadn’t found the net since January 2025. Eleven months. Eleven months of being labeled a flashy passer but unreliable finisher. Then came this night. In the 17th minute, he peeled off his marker like he was dodging traffic on Via Toledo, cut inside, and buried a left-footed curler into the far bottom corner. The crowd didn’t just cheer—they roared. By the 38th minute, after a crisp one-two with Scott McTominay, Neres made it 2-0, this time with his right foot. Then, in first-half stoppage time, he floated a cross to Noa Lang, who rose above the defense for a header that sent the home fans into delirium. Three touches. Three goals. One statement."He looked like the Neres we signed in 2023," said Antonio Conte afterward. "Not the one who hesitates. The one who attacks. That’s what we need."
Atalanta’s Struggles Deepen
For Atalanta, it was another night of frustration under new manager Raffaele Palladino. The 40-year-old, hired after Gian Piero Gasperini’s departure, made a debut that felt more like a baptism by fire. His side, once known for attacking football that averaged three goals per match under Gasperini, looked shell-shocked. Teenage defender Ahanor, given his first Serie A start, was bullied by Neres all half. "45 minutes to forget," wrote Football Italia. He was subbed off at halftime.Atalanta’s lone goal came in the 52nd minute from substitute Gianluca Scamacca, a header off a corner that offered little more than consolation. Palladino’s halftime adjustments improved their second-half shape, but it was too little, too late. They’ve now gone eight games without scoring more than once. "They looked like a team without a soul," said one veteran reporter in the press box. "They’re chasing ghosts from Gasperini’s era."
Napoli’s Home Fortress
This win extended Napoli’s unbeaten home run in Serie A to 16 matches—12 wins, 4 draws. They’re now the only team in Europe’s top five leagues without a home loss in 2025. That’s not luck. That’s structure. Conte’s system, built on compactness and rapid transitions, has turned the Maradona into a fortress. Only two home goals conceded before halftime in their last 13 matches. The defense, missing injured keeper Alex Meret, held firm despite Atalanta’s late pressure."We didn’t just win tonight," said midfielder McTominay. "We proved we can break a drought. That’s the mentality Conte wants. We’re not just here to survive—we’re here to fight."
What This Means for the Title Race
Napoli now sit at 25 points—top of the table, one point clear of Inter Milan, Roma, and Bologna. But the lead is fragile. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, Roma host Cremonese, and Inter face AC Milan in the city derby. Both teams could leapfrog Napoli with wins. Still, this result shifts the narrative. After three winless games, including two draws and a 1-0 loss to Bologna, Napoli were flirting with their first three-game Serie A scoring drought since January 2024. Now? They’re the team everyone’s watching.Conte, meanwhile, is no longer on the brink of another exit. He’s back in the spotlight. The 55-year-old Italian, who famously left Juventus, Chelsea, and Tottenham under pressure, has turned Napoli’s season around in just five months. "He doesn’t need to be loved," said Cult of Calcio. "He just needs to win. And right now, he’s doing that."
Who Else Played Key Roles?
- Scott McTominay: Controlled midfield tempo, delivered the assist for Neres’ second goal. Played 88 minutes. - Noa Lang: Scored the third goal with a calm header. Has now found the net in three of his last five games since joining from PSV Eindhoven. - Gianluca Scamacca: Gave Atalanta hope with his goal, but couldn’t replicate his form from the 2024/25 season. - Gutierrez: Napoli’s left-back, rated lowest by Football Italia. Offered nothing offensively or defensively. Subbed off in the 70th minute.What’s Next?
Napoli face Udinese on December 1, 2025, away from home—their first away game since the international break. A win there would silence critics who say they can’t win on the road. Atalanta, still in 13th place with 13 points, host Lazio next weekend. Palladino needs a result. Fast. Without it, his honeymoon could end before Christmas.The bigger picture? Napoli’s resurgence has reignited the Scudetto race. With Inter and Roma both playing high-stakes matches this weekend, the pressure is now on them to respond. And if Neres keeps playing like this? The Maradona might just hear the chants of "Scudetto! Scudetto!" again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did David Neres end his 11-month goal drought so dramatically?
Neres’ breakthrough came from a combination of tactical freedom and renewed confidence. Antonio Conte moved him from a wide role into a more central, cutting-in position, allowing him to use his stronger right foot. He also received consistent service from Scott McTominay and Noa Lang, who recognized his movement patterns. His first goal was a classic counterattack finish, and his second came from a well-timed run into the box—something he’d been told to prioritize in training.
Why is Napoli’s home record so strong this season?
Napoli have conceded just four goals at home in 16 Serie A matches this season. Their compact 3-5-2 formation, led by central defenders Kalidou Koulibaly and Giovanni Di Lorenzo, limits space. The midfield trio of McTominay, Anguissa, and Zielinski presses aggressively, forcing opponents into long balls that are easily intercepted. The crowd at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona also plays a role—noise levels are consistently among the highest in Europe, disrupting opposition set pieces and communication.
What’s the impact of Romelu Lukaku’s absence on Napoli’s attack?
Lukaku’s thigh strain has left Napoli without a physical focal point in the box. Before his injury, he was scoring once every 110 minutes and holding up play for Neres and Lang. Without him, Napoli rely more on pace and movement, which suits Neres but makes them vulnerable against high lines. The team has scored more goals from set pieces since his absence, but their overall xG per game has dropped by 0.3. His return, expected in early December, could be the final piece.
How has Atalanta changed since Gian Piero Gasperini left?
Under Gasperini, Atalanta played a high-octane 3-4-2-1 with overlapping wing-backs and constant movement. Since his departure, Ivan Juric and now Raffaele Palladino have tried to impose more structure, but the team has lost its attacking rhythm. They’re creating chances—averaging 15.2 per game—but finishing only 11% of them, down from 18% under Gasperini. The loss of key players like Josip Iličić and the lack of a true number 9 have made their attack predictable. The magic hasn’t vanished—it’s been buried under tactical confusion.
Can Napoli maintain their lead if Inter and Roma win their next matches?
Yes—but only if they win their next two away games. Napoli have won just one of their last five away matches in Serie A. Inter and Roma are both stronger on the road, and Napoli’s squad depth is thin, especially in defense. If they draw against Udinese and lose to Lazio, they’ll be overtaken. But if they beat Udinese and then defeat Lazio on December 8, they’ll have a cushion heading into the winter break. The next three weeks will define their title challenge.
What’s the significance of Antonio Conte staying at Napoli this time?
Conte has a history of dramatic exits after winning trophies. This time, he’s signed through 2027 and has more control over transfers. The club’s board, once skeptical of his rigid methods, now backs him fully after seeing results. He’s also built stronger relationships with key players like McTominay and Lang, who’ve embraced his demands. If he stays until 2027, he could become Napoli’s longest-serving manager since Maradona’s era. That’s not just stability—it’s legacy.