Napoli starting XI (3-4-2-1): Meret, Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Juan Jesus (subbed for Gutierrez), Spinazzola (subbed for Beukema), Lobotka, McTominay, Olivera, Vergara, Elmas (subbed for Lukaku), Hojlund
Bench: Contini, Spinelli, Beukema, Lukaku, De Chiara, Garofalo
Goals: Vergara 33’, Hojlund 43’
Chelsea starting XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, Gusto (subbed for Chalobah), James, Fofana, Cucurella, Andrey Santos (subbed for Gittens who was subbed for Badiashile), Caicedo, Estevao (subbed for Garnacho), Fernandez, Neto (subbed for Palmer), Joao Pedro
Bench : Jorgensen, Merrick, Acheampong, Badiashile, Hato, Delap, George, Guiu
Goals: Fernandez 19’ (Pen), Pedro 61’ 82’
The hosts looked in control at stages, but two superb strikes from João Pedro turned the game on its head and condemned Napoli to elimination at the group stage.
Chelsea took the lead in the 19th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Juan Jesus handled a free-kick delivery. Enzo Fernández stepped up and calmly slotted home to give the Blues an early advantage.
Napoli regrouped and responded with increasing urgency, and the breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Antonio Vergara turned his marker and shot into the far post for his first senior goal, much to the delight of the home support.
Just before half-time Napoli turned the score in their favour. A well-worked move saw Rasmus Højlund finish confidently from close range, giving the hosts the lead and a promising position at the break.
But Chelsea struck back with force after the interval. In the 61st minute, substitute João Pedro unleashed a powerful strike from distance that levelled the scores and reignited the contest.
With momentum firmly behind them, Chelsea continued to press and took the lead in the 82nd minute when João Pedro again found the net, this time from a composed low shot past Alex Meret.
Despite a late Napoli push, including a chance for Romelu Lukaku in stoppage time, the hosts were unable to force another equaliser.
Napoli will now have to dust themselves off and focus on their league campaign, where they are at risk of missing out on a Champions League place for next season.
