When David Neres finally broke his 11-month goal drought, it wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was the spark that catapulted Napoli to the top of Serie A on a rainy Saturday night in Naples. The Brazilian winger, 28, delivered a performance for the ages: two goals, one assist, and a relentless energy that turned the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona into a roaring cauldron. Napoli beat Atalanta 3-1 on November 22, 2025, moving to 25 points and edging out Inter Milan, Roma, and Bologna—all tied on 24—by virtue of a single goal difference. The win didn’t just end a winless November streak; it rewrote the narrative of Napoli’s season. And for Raffaele Palladino, it was a brutal introduction to life as Atalanta’s new head coach.
From Drought to Dominance: Neres’ Breakout Night
Neres hadn’t found the net since January. Eleven months. Eleven months of missed chances, criticism, and quiet training sessions. But at the 17th minute, everything changed. A crisp through ball from Danish striker Rasmus Højlund split the Atalanta defense, and Neres, with a calm, low strike into the far corner, reminded everyone why Napoli paid €15 million for him in 2023. The stadium erupted—not just for the goal, but for the release. Twenty-one minutes later, it was even better. A soaring cross from Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay (No. 8) found Neres unmarked at the penalty spot. No hesitation. One touch. Goal. It was the kind of performance that turns doubters into believers. And then, just before halftime, Noa Lang—Napoli’s summer signing from PSV Eindhoven—rose above the defense to head home a Di Lorenzo cross. His first goal for the club. A perfect cap to a half that left Atalanta shell-shocked.
Atalanta’s Fight and Palladino’s First Test
It wasn’t all one-way traffic. Atalanta, under their new manager, showed grit. Seven minutes into the second half, Gianluca Scamacca, who’d replaced Mario Pašalić at halftime, pounced on a loose ball after a miscommunication between Napoli’s backline and goalkeeper David Šilindić. His strike, assisted by young right-back Raffaele Bellanova, gave Atalanta hope. But the damage was done. Napoli’s xG of 1.58 to Atalanta’s 0.82 told the real story: Napoli created better chances, even if they had less possession (45% to 55%). Atalanta had 14 shots, but only one was truly clear. The numbers didn’t lie. And for Palladino, who took over after Gian Piero Gasperini’s departure, it was a sobering debut. "We had moments," he said post-match. "But Napoli punished us when we gave them space. That’s the difference at the top of Serie A. You don’t get many second chances."
League Implications: Napoli on Top, But Not Safe
With 8 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses from 12 games, Napoli now sit alone at the summit. But here’s the twist: they’re not safe. Inter Milan, Roma, and Bologna are all on 24 points, with Inter and Roma having played one fewer game. The table is a house of cards. And Sunday, November 23, 2025, could change everything. Roma face Cremonese, Inter host AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina, and if either wins, Napoli could be knocked off top spot by midnight. That’s the pressure of Serie A. One night of brilliance doesn’t guarantee survival—it just buys you time. Napoli’s +8 goal difference is their lifeline. But their defense, which conceded 14 goals in their last five games before this match, remains a concern. Against Atalanta, they were lucky. The crossbar saved them twice. The goalkeeper made three critical stops. They didn’t dominate—they survived. And that’s not a formula for a title.
Behind the Numbers: Stats That Tell the Real Story
Let’s talk numbers. Napoli had 11 total shots to Atalanta’s 14. But only three were "big chances"—clear opportunities to score. Atalanta had one. That’s the difference between good and great. Neres’ two goals accounted for 36% of Napoli’s total xG. That’s a huge burden on one player. McTominay, meanwhile, completed 89% of his passes and won 11 duels—his most in a single game this season. Meanwhile, Atalanta’s midfield trio of Charles De Ketelaere, Pašalić, and Bellanova were overrun in the center. Only 38% of their passes reached the final third. That’s why they had to rely on counterattacks. And when Napoli’s backline held firm in the final 20 minutes, the result was sealed. The substitutions didn’t help: Jorginho Jesus replacing Rrahmani in the 64th minute didn’t add stability—it added confusion. Napoli’s defensive shape held. Atalanta’s didn’t.
What’s Next? The Road to the Title
Napoli’s next match? A home game against Udinese on November 30. Then a trip to Turin to face Juventus. After that? A December fixture list that includes Lazio and Fiorentina. The schedule doesn’t get easier. But this win gave them something they’ve lacked all season: belief. For the first time since 2023, Napoli fans are talking about the Scudetto—not as a dream, but as a possibility. And Neres? He’s no longer the forgotten winger. He’s the man who turned November around. His celebration after the second goal—arms wide, screaming at the sky—wasn’t just joy. It was redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did David Neres’ performance impact Napoli’s title chances?
Neres’ brace and assist were decisive in Napoli’s climb to the top of Serie A, ending a winless streak and providing the attacking spark the team lacked since January. His two goals accounted for 36% of Napoli’s expected goals in the match, and his confidence has lifted the entire squad. If he can maintain this form, Napoli’s title hopes shift from speculative to serious—but his consistency over the next six weeks will determine whether this is a flash in the pan or the start of a championship run.
Why is Raffaele Palladino’s debut considered a failure?
Palladino’s first match ended in a 3-1 loss to a Napoli side that had lost its last three games. Atalanta dominated possession but created few clear chances, and their defensive organization collapsed after halftime. The substitution of Jorginho Jesus for Rrahmani disrupted the backline, and the team lacked attacking creativity. Palladino’s tactical approach—relying on counters and long balls—was predictable, and Napoli exploited the gaps. His debut exposed gaps in squad depth and preparation, making his future uncertain unless he adapts quickly.
Could Napoli be overtaken on November 23, 2025?
Absolutely. Napoli leads by just one point, and both Inter Milan and Roma have games in hand. If Inter beats AC Milan and Roma defeats Cremonese, both teams will leapfrog Napoli with 27 points. Inter’s +14 goal difference gives them a massive advantage in a tiebreaker. Napoli’s position is temporary—and fragile. The title race is wide open, and Sunday’s results will likely redraw the entire Serie A table.
How does Napoli’s current form compare to their 2022-23 Scudetto-winning season?
In 2022-23, Napoli had 10 wins and just one loss after 12 games, with a +16 goal difference. This season, they’re at +8 and have drawn three games. Their defense is leakier, and their midfield lacks the control of Piotr Zieliński and Stanislav Lobotka. But they have more attacking depth now—Højlund, Lang, and Neres offer pace and unpredictability. The 2023 team had a legendary goalkeeper in Ospina; this season, Šilindić is inconsistent. The foundation is there, but they’re not yet the same dominant force.
What’s the significance of Napoli moving to the top of Serie A on November 22?
It’s symbolic. Napoli haven’t led the table after 12 games since 2019. This is their first time at the summit since the death of Diego Maradona. The emotional weight isn’t lost on fans or players. The win came on the same pitch where Maradona lifted the 1990 title. Neres’ goals echoed through the stands like a tribute. For a city that lives and breathes football, this wasn’t just a league result—it was a moment of collective catharsis.
How has Atalanta’s season unraveled so quickly?
After a strong start, Atalanta have drawn seven of their last 11 games, including three 0-0s. Their attack, once lethal with Zapata and Pasalic, has lost its rhythm. The midfield is aging, and the defense lacks pace. Palladino’s 4-2-3-1 formation hasn’t clicked, and key players like De Ketelaere are underperforming. With only 13 points from 12 games, they’re in danger of missing European qualification entirely. This loss wasn’t an anomaly—it’s the latest symptom of a deeper crisis.
