Maurizio Sarri’s side overcame a nine-man AC Milan to emerge 4-2 victors at the Stadio San Paolo on Saturday.
Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik netted a first-half brace to give the Partenopei a solid lead at the interval, however, the visitors completed a spirited comeback soon after the restart through goals from M’Baye Niang and Suso.
José María Callejón slotted home from close range prior to Juraj Kucka and Niang being foolishly sent-off, and the result was put beyond doubt when the Spaniard tapped his second home in stoppage-time. Napoli claimed their first victory of the season, while in turn consigning the Rossoneri to their first defeat of 2016-17.
Milik and Callejón star
22-year-old Milik, brought in to replace Gonzalo Higuaín, repaid manager Sarri’s faith with a double in his first start for the Neapolitans.
The former Ajax man added more of a distinct goal threat than what was offered in the opening round against Pescara from fellow striker Manolo Gabbiadini, and will be expected to feature prominently for the Partenopei this campaign. If he can reach half of Higuaín’s goal tally from last term, then it will go down as a great season for the Pole.
Much like Milik, Callejón reinforced an impressive beginning to the season by shining alongside the striker, as well as the diminutive Dries Mertens in this encounter.
The Spaniard orchestrated many of the home side’s attacks throughout the 90 minutes, also registering his first and second goals to hand Napoli their first victory of 2016-17.
Milan show petulance
After turning around a two-goal deficit to later concede, the players in red and black had their backs against the wall. In these situations, many push for a little extra and seek a third goal to restore parity, yet some members of the Milan ranks instead showed frustration and immaturity, and they ultimately paid the price.
After cynically fouling substitute Piotr Zielinski, Kucka then proceeded to kick the ball away and earned himself his first yellow card. His reaction to that seemed to irk the referee enough to hand the Slovakian his second and, subsequently, his marching orders.
Niang did not act too dissimilar either. Already on a booking, the 21-year-old attempted to halt Pepe Reina from distributing the ball quickly. The Spanish custodian did overreact, though it was an unnecessary course of action from the Frenchman that earned a red.
Zielinski impactful off the bench
With the game locked at 2-2, the Pole came off the bench to add some dynamism and spark in midfield.
The former Empoli loanee looked bright with his play in the middle of the park, and was instrumental in constructing his side’s all important third goal, contributing with some neat play at the edge of the box.
Despite possessing a more than well-stocked midfield, such cameos off the bench from the 22-year-old will see him start in future fixtures for the Partenopei.
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