Daijiworld Media Network - Naples

Naples, Sep 23: Napoli kept their perfect start to the Serie A season alive with a thrilling 3-2 win over promoted Pisa on Monday. Lorenzo Lucca’s first goal for his new club in the 82nd minute proved decisive, securing Napoli’s fourth consecutive league victory and 12 points atop the standings.

The win puts Napoli two points ahead of second-placed Juventus, who drew at Verona on Saturday, and three points clear of Roma and AC Milan, who complete the top four. Napoli will next visit AC Milan at the San Siro, while Milan face an Italian Cup fixture against Lecce on Tuesday.

After Thursday’s 2-0 defeat at Manchester City in the Champions League, Napoli’s domestic performance appeared underwhelming. Billy Gilmour had opened the scoring in the 39th minute with his first professional goal, only for M’Bala Nzola to equalise from the penalty spot in the 60th. Leonardo Spinazzola’s long-range strike in the 73rd minute put Napoli ahead, but Lucca’s late goal ensured all three points.

Pisa’s Lorran tapped home in the 90th minute after a defensive error by Giovanni Di Lorenzo, but the visitors could not secure a point. Managed by Alberto Gilardino, Pisa remain second from bottom with just one point this season.