David Neres didn’t just score twice—he reminded everyone why Napoli still burns with that old Maradona fire. On a chilly Saturday night in Naples, the Brazilian winger delivered a performance that turned the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona into a roaring cauldron, leading Napoli to a 3-1 victory over Atalanta in Serie A Week 12Naples on November 22, 2025. The win wasn’t just about goals; it was a statement. Napoli, under the steely gaze of head coach Antonio Conte, looked like a team reborn. Atalanta, meanwhile, were left chasing shadows.
Conte’s Tactical Masterclass
Antonio Conte, the 55-year-old Italian tactician who took over Napoli in July 2024, didn’t just tweak his system—he rebuilt it. Against Atalanta, he deployed a 3-4-2-1 formation, a departure from Napoli’s more traditional 4-2-3-1. The key? Bringing in Scott McTominay as a box-to-box engine beside Stanislav Lobotka, and pairing him with Noa Lang and Rasmus Højlund in the channels. It was a high-risk, high-reward setup. And it worked.
McTominay didn’t just defend—he orchestrated. His 2 shots on target and 2 tackles were mirrored in his influence on the game. He assisted Neres’ first goal with a perfectly weighted through ball in the 28th minute, then played a pivotal role in the second, linking up with Højlund to split Atalanta’s back three. That’s not luck. That’s precision.
Atalanta, under new manager Raffaele Palladino, tried to replicate Gian Piero Gasperini’s high-pressing style. But the rhythm was off. Their 18 tackles—led by Marten de Roon’s 4—felt desperate, not dominant. They pressed, but Napoli’s midfield trio of Lobotka, McTominay, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo absorbed it like a sponge, then released the ball with surgical calm.
Neres’ Night to Remember
David Neres didn’t need to be the star. He just needed to be lethal. And he was. His first goal, a curling left-footed strike from the edge of the box after a quick one-two with Højlund, was textbook. The second, in the 69th minute, was pure instinct: a low, driven finish past Marco Carnesecchi after Di Lorenzo’s cross found him unmarked at the back post. Two goals. Two shots on target. Two assists? Not quite—but his movement created space for others. That’s the quiet genius of his game.
For context: Neres had scored just once in his previous five Serie A appearances. This wasn’t a breakout—it was a reckoning. Napoli’s attack, often criticized for being too reliant on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia last season, now has a second reliable weapon. And it’s not even a striker.
Atalanta’s Struggles in Transition
Atalanta’s lone goal came from Gianluca Scamacca in the 64th minute—a powerful header off a Raoul Bellanova cross. It was beautiful. But it was also their only real moment of quality. The rest? Chaotic. Their 3 shots on target were all from Scamacca. No one else managed a single one. That’s not a team—it’s a one-man show. And when that man is marked, the whole structure collapses.
Palladino’s debut in Serie A as head coach was always going to be tough. Taking over from Gasperini is like stepping into a hurricane. But the absence of a true playmaker in midfield—Marten de Roon is a warrior, not a creator—left Atalanta stranded in the final third. Their 18 tackles were a symptom, not a solution. They were chasing, not controlling.
The Bigger Picture: European Dreams Hang in the Balance
This result sent ripples through the Serie A table. Napoli moved into the top four, tightening their grip on a direct Champions League spot for the 2026-2027 season. Atalanta, meanwhile, slipped to seventh—four points behind fourth place, and now facing a grueling run-in against Inter, Juventus, and AC Milan. Their European dreams? They’re slipping through the cracks.
And let’s not forget the venue. The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona—renamed in 2020 to honor the Argentine legend who turned Napoli into a European force—felt alive again. The chants, the smoke, the wave of blue and red—it wasn’t just a stadium. It was a cathedral.
What’s Next?
Napoli’s next fixture is against Fiorentina on November 29, 2025, in another home game at the Maradona Stadium. If they win, they’ll be within two points of league leaders Inter. Atalanta, on the other hand, face a must-win against Bologna on the same day. Lose, and their top-four hopes could vanish before Christmas.
One thing’s clear: Serie A is no longer just about the old giants. Napoli, under Conte, are playing with fire. And David Neres? He’s the match.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did David Neres’ performance compare to his previous season?
Before this match, Neres had only scored once in his last five Serie A appearances and rarely featured as a consistent starter. His two goals and two shots on target against Atalanta marked his best performance since joining Napoli in 2023. His expected goals (xG) value for the match was 1.3—well above his season average of 0.4 per game—indicating a major uptick in attacking efficiency and confidence.
Why is Antonio Conte’s 3-4-2-1 formation so effective for Napoli?
The 3-4-2-1 allows Napoli to dominate the center of the pitch with Lobotka and McTominay as a double pivot, while the wing-backs—especially Di Lorenzo—push high to create width. It neutralizes teams like Atalanta that rely on overlapping fullbacks. The two attacking midfielders behind the striker create overloads in the final third, giving Neres and Lang space to cut inside. It’s a system built for counter-pressing and quick transitions—perfect for Napoli’s current squad depth.
What impact does this result have on Atalanta’s Champions League chances?
Atalanta now sit seven points behind fourth-placed AC Milan and have played one more game than their rivals. With only 26 points from 12 matches, they need to win at least 8 of their remaining 26 games to have a realistic shot. Their upcoming fixtures against Bologna, Roma, and Juventus are daunting. Without a creative midfielder or a consistent goalscorer beyond Scamacca, their European hopes are hanging by a thread.
How does Napoli’s current form compare to their 2024-2025 title-winning campaign?
Last season, Napoli won the title with 89 points, scoring 73 goals—led by Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia. This season, they’re on pace for 82 points, with a more balanced attack. Neres and Højlund have added depth, while McTominay’s defensive work has freed up Lobotka to dictate tempo. They’re less reliant on individual brilliance and more structured overall—a sign of Conte’s long-term influence.
What’s the significance of the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in this context?
The stadium, renamed in 2020 after the club’s greatest ever player, isn’t just a venue—it’s a symbol. Napoli haven’t won a league title since Maradona’s era in 1990. But under Conte, the team is playing with the same grit and passion he embodied. The crowd’s roar after Neres’ second goal echoed the same chants from 1987. For Napoli fans, this win felt less like a result and more like a resurrection.
Who are the key players to watch in Napoli’s next match against Fiorentina?
David Neres will be the focal point, but keep an eye on Rasmus Højlund. The Danish striker has been quietly effective with 5 goals in 11 games and excellent hold-up play. Also, Giovanni Di Lorenzo—his overlapping runs are critical to Napoli’s width. Fiorentina’s defense, which has conceded 14 goals in their last 5 matches, will struggle to contain Napoli’s pace and movement if Di Lorenzo and McTominay are on fire.
