SSC Napoli maintained their slim hopes of claiming the Serie A title with a commanding 4-0 win over US Cremonese, who are battling against relegation, at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Antonio Conte’s men were determined to bounce back after suffering their first home defeat of the Serie A season the previous weekend. From the outset, Cremonese’s defence was put under immense pressure.
Within just two minutes, the home side squandered two golden opportunities. Emil Audero made a superb save to thwart Scott McTominay before Rasmus Højlund fired just over the bar while well positioned.
However, Napoli opened the scoring only a minute later, with McTominay firing in a stunning strike from 20 yards out, marking his ninth goal in the league this season.
As the first half unfolded, the hosts continued to dominate, and it came as no surprise when the Azzurri extended their lead with half-time approaching, as Højlund’s deflected shot nestled into the bottom corner.
Before the interval, matters worsened for Marco Giampaolo’s side, as Napoli found the net again just moments later.
McTominay displayed remarkable skill to keep the ball in play before Kevin De Bruyne intercepted Youssef Maleh and deftly guided the ball past Audero from close range, igniting joy among the home fans.
The match was effectively sealed just seven minutes into the second half when the hosts scored their fourth goal during a lightning-fast counter-attack.
Alisson Santos received the ball deep in his own half from goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić, dribbled through Cremonese’s defence, and calmly finished as if in a training drill.
With the result already assured, Napoli kept up the momentum, with Audero producing a fine save to deny substitute Billy Gilmour, while Amir Rrahmani’s header hit the woodwork.
Conte’s side was awarded a penalty for handball with less than 10 minutes left, but McTominay’s effort from the spot was lacking in conviction and was saved. However, the outcome was already decided.
This thumping win saw Napoli climb to second in the Serie A standings, although the reigning champions remain nine points adrift of league leaders Inter Milan, who also have a game in hand.
On the other hand, Cremonese’s dismal form keeps them entrenched in the relegation battle, having secured only one win in their last 20 outings. They currently sit one spot above the relegation zone, thanks to a superior head-to-head record against US Lecce.
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