Scott McTominay fired a brilliant brace as Napoli cruised to a 3-0 home victory over relegation-threatened Empoli, keeping their Serie A title hopes alive and closing the gap on league leaders Inter to just three points.
Despite their lowly position, Empoli started the game brightly, enjoying early possession and momentum. However, they failed to convert their dominance into chances, and Napoli made them pay.
A swift counterattack saw McTominay fire a precise 25-yard strike into the bottom corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Napoli grew in confidence, with Matteo Politano forcing a save from Devis Vasquez and David Neres going close just before the break.
The Neapolitans, who had drawn more matches than any other side in Europe’s top five leagues over the past nine rounds, came out aggressively after the restart, determined to kill the game.
Juan Jesus missed a golden opportunity with a header early in the second half, but the pressure paid off shortly after. A slick move involving Billy Gilmour and Mathías Olivera teed up Romelu Lukaku, who slammed home from close range to make it 2-0.
McTominay then sealed the win with his second of the match, rising highest to head in a pinpoint cross from Lukaku.
The double marked the Scottish midfielder’s first brace since December 2023 and capped a dominant display from Antonio Conte’s side.
Napoli remain firmly in the title race, while Empoli stay 19th, three points from safety.
