A deserved victory that was never in doubt by Luciano Spalletti’s men who finished the game off in as early as the 28th minute, with the first goal in the 17th thanks to an own goal by Ismajli, after the defender was unable to deal with a cross from Zielinski.
Napoli’s second goal came as Empoli goalkeeper Vicario parried Kvaratskheilia’s shot straight into the path of in-form striker, Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian made no mistake from six yards out.
The home side would be grateful that the Nigerian didn’t extend Napoli’s lead in the 33rd minute after he failed to punish an error from Luperto.
They would also be thankful that Kim didn’t find the net from the resulting corner.
The 2-0 scoreline failed to do justice to Napoli’s total domination.
In moments between the two sides, the gulf in quality became obvious.
The home side were missing Akpa Akpro and Bandinelli, both ruled out before the game.
Empoli were able to bring Caputo off the bench, however the striker was unable to make an impact.
Few saves were needed from Napoli’s Meret, however an important one in the 20th minute from Henderson kept the hosts from getting back in the game.
Paolo Zanetti tried to change the course of the match just before the hour by sending on Caputo and Grassi, but nothing worked against a Napoli side who, if it weren’t for a goal being ruled out for offside against Osimhen, would have been 3-0 up.
The only negative for the Neapolitans came in the form of a red card to Mario Rui, who was sent off after a bad foul on Caputo.
Spalletti subbed off Kvaratskhelia and Losano for Elmas and Olivera, with the Macedonian sitting behind Osimhen in a 4-3-1-1.
The visitors didn’t suffer with the numerical disadvantage as Osimhen came close to scoring again ten minutes from time.
The final whistle was met with applause and songs from the travelling Napoli fans at the ‘Castellani’, despite a portion of the away section being shut.
Speaking after the game, Spellatti was pleased with the performance.
“We were good, we approached the game well and scoring early set us on the right track,” Spalletti said.
“Today the risk was being below our usual levels, because against Empoli the games aren’t over until the hundredth minute.
“We did everything at the same level, and to be the same quality Napoli side with the same speed and desire to sacrifice got us through the game with our opponents surrendering. Compliments to my players.
“The sending off of Mario Rui is a symptom of immaturity. These things happen in football, what’s important is the other players can work together to make up for [being a player down].
“The squad’s reaction was so important, in the second half above all. The midfielders played a tough game, helping us bring a big result home.
“Lobotka shows his quality when we have the ball. No one can catch him or outjump him.
“Elmas allowed us to not feel a man down. Osimhen is hungry to score, he helps the team and benefits from the help he receives back. He is a quality player and you see it in front of goal.
“We made a couple of mistakes on the ball and then it became a very difficult mountain to climb.
“We can take a lot from this game, me included. We learnt a lot and gained experience.”
Empoli manager Paolo Zanetti spoke with Dazn after the final whistle.
“The start was difficult, a little tense,” Zanetti said.
“We prepared really well but today we were a little less fluid and less solid, this is a sign that something wasn’t quite right mentally.
“But we need to remember we played a side that just dominated their opponent in Europe (Frankfurt). They had a lot of players in midfield, we didn’t have the strength to react but I don’t have much desire to criticise my players.
“Some of our younger players had a tough game. Napoli don’t just have skill, they’ve got a lot of aggression.
“You need to think quickly and have good technique. A player with less experience probably makes more mistakes today than usual.”
Speaking to Dazn, Victor Osimhen reflected on the match.
“It’s great that the team and manager believe in me, I need to do my best on the pitch for them,” Osimhen said.
“We did well to go 2-0 up early on, but we needed to score a third. It’s a shame as well because we remember the game from last year.
“We’re happy with the win, but it wasn’t easy.
“Obviously this is one of the best seasons of my career, I feel great.
“Spalletti wants the maximum from all of us, we always need to do more and he always motivates me, even in training.”
In the wake of his current form, Osimhen has received praise from former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.
“Drogba? For me it was great to receive a message from him. It was a surprise and it represents another motivation for me. He was my idol when I was younger.”
