Serie A | Napoli 3-0 Empoli: Dominating Lukaku and McTominay keep title hopes alive | OneFootball

Romelu Lukaku reached double figures for goals and assists this season by scoring once and assisting twice in Napoli’s 3-0 win over Empoli, while Scott McTominay bagged a brace.

Napoli secured a crucial 3-0 win over Empoli at the Stadio Maradona on Monday, moving three points behind table leaders Inter, who had already beaten Cagliari 3-1 on Saturday.

Lukaku inspired the Partenopei’s win with two assists and one goal.

The first key pass paved the way for McTominay’s opener at minute 18. The Scotland international received the ball in central midfield and had time and space to beat Davis Vasquez with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

Lukaku’s through ball impressed Antonio Conte, who congratulated the Belgian from the touchline.

Empoli reacted immediately, but Emmanuel Gyasi sent a header from an excellent position over the crossbar.

A few minutes later, Billy Gilmour had a chance to become the second Scottish goalscorer in the game, but his shot from afar was wide of the near post.

Sebastiano Esposito had a big opportunity before the break when he received the ball from a Gyasi header and tried to catch Alex Meret off guard with a stunning volley from outside the box which ultimately resulted in a corner kick for the Tuscans.

Napoli have lost 10 points from winning position this season, so they had a strong start in the second half, trying to kill off the game.

Juan Jesus, McTominay and Olivera had a chance each, but failed even to find the target. The Uruguay international, however, was instrumental to Napoli’s second goal, providing a perfect assist from a central position for Lukaku, who found the net at the near post from inside the box.

The Belgian crowned a perfect night with a second assist for McTominay only a few minutes later, when the Scotsman scored off the crossbar with a towering header.

Lukaku and McTominay linked up for a third time later on, but the Scotsman hit the post after a quick counter-attack.

The only bad news of the night for the Partenopei was potentially from Juan Jesus, who had already replaced the injured Alessandro Buongiorno.

The Brazilian defender was forced off the pitch due to a suspected muscle injury and replaced by Rafa Marin, who had not played a competitive match since mid-February.

Lukaku had another chance to score his second goal before being subbed off, but his sliding attempt from a close range was wide of the far post.

Tonight’s commanding victory allowed Napoli to remain three points behind table leaders Inter, while Empoli remain without league wins in 2025 and were caught by Venezia with 24 points, two behind 17th-placed Lecce.

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