Napoli demolished Cremonese 4-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne leading a dominant display that keeps the hosts firmly in the title race.
Napoli entered the match sitting third in Serie A with 66 points from 33 games. Cremonese arrived in 17th place, struggling near the relegation zone with just 28 points. The hosts came into this fixture on strong form, winning their last three matches. Cremonese had won just one of their last five games and faced a tough test against a side hungry for three points.
The home team struck with stunning speed. McTominay opened the scoring in just the third minute, setting the tone for a one-sided contest. Napoli controlled possession and created chances at will, with Cremonese unable to establish any meaningful attacking threat.
The visitors managed only four shots on target throughout the entire match. Their goalkeeper Emil Audero worked hard to keep the score respectable, making six crucial saves. However, he could do nothing to prevent the avalanche of goals that followed.
Napoli doubled their advantage before halftime. Rasmus Højlund added the second goal in the 45th minute, catching Cremonese's defense flat-footed. Seconds later, De Bruyne made it three with a clinical finish in the 45+3rd minute, effectively deciding the match before the interval.
The first half showcased Napoli's attacking prowess. The hosts fired 25 total shots, with 15 coming from inside the box. Their passing was crisp and precise, completing 498 of 561 attempts for an 89 percent accuracy rate. Cremonese struggled to gain a foothold, managing just five shots total.
The second half saw Napoli continue their relentless assault. Alisson Santos made it four in the 52nd minute, capping a devastating opening to the second period. The match had long since been decided, and Napoli controlled proceedings with ease.
McTominay added his second goal from the penalty spot in the 83rd minute, though this proved merely a consolation addition to an already comprehensive victory. The midfielder finished with a match rating of 8.0 and showed his all-around quality throughout the 90 minutes.
De Bruyne was named the standout performer with a rating of 9.2. The Belgian playmaker scored once and provided an assist while creating three key passes. His influence on the game was evident from start to finish, controlling the tempo and dictating play.
Statistically, Napoli dominated every metric. They recorded an expected goals (xG) total of 2.86 compared to Cremonese's 0.16. The hosts enjoyed 56 percent possession and won seven corner kicks. Cremonese committed nine fouls and struggled to contain Napoli's fluid attacking movements.
This comprehensive victory moves Napoli closer to the Serie A title picture. The three points keep them third with 69 points from 34 matches. Cremonese's defeat leaves them vulnerable in the fight to avoid relegation, now with just 28 points from 34 games played.
Napoli will look to maintain this momentum in their remaining fixtures. Cremonese must regroup quickly and find ways to secure points in their battle for survival.
