Eljif Elmas’ late goal gave Walter Mazzarri’s second stint at Napoli a victorious start as they defeated Atalanta 2-1 in Serie A.
Mazzarri, who took over as Partenopei’s manager earlier this month after Rudi Garcia was dismissed, believed his team had grabbed the lead in the 33rd minute when Amir Rrahmani’s header was ruled offside.
Just before the half, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Napoli did, however, break the deadlock by heading home Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s cross.
Following the interval, Atalanta reacted brilliantly and tied the score in the 53rd minute when Ademola Lookman slid in an enticing center from Hans Hateboer. The hosts then threatened to complete the comeback, but Mario Pasalic was flagged offside.
But 11 minutes from time, Napoli grabbed all three points when Marco Carnesecchi’s shoddy clearing bounced back to Victor Osimhen, who set up Elmas to complete the comeback and move the Partenopei over Milan to third place in the Serie A standings.
Midweek sees both teams return to continental play. In the Champions League, Napoli plays Real Madrid, and in the Europa League, Atalanta plays Sporting Lisbon.