Napoli made it three wins out of three for the Italian teams in Thursday’s Europa League action with a 2-0 win away to Legia Warsaw.
The Partenopei had to wait until the second half to open the scoring courtesy of a header from Dries Mertens and wrapped up the game with five minutes to go with a thunderous shot from substitute Gonzalo Higuain.
The visitors got off to a bright start with Mertens looking the most likely to open the scoring but lacking cutting edge at the vital moment.
Legia had a big let-off just before the half hour mark when a David Lopez shot beat Dusan Kuciak but was cleared off the line by Michal Pazdan.
The first half fizzled out towards the end with Partenopei keeper Gabriel never seriously tested by the Legia attack.
Neither manager decided to make substitutions at the break but the deadlock was finally broken by the visitors in the 53rd minute when Jose Callejon’s cross towards the near post was met by an onrushing Mertens for the Belgian’s third goal in the Europa League this season.
Legia did have a chance to get on level terms moments later when Christian Maggio came close to putting the ball into the back of his own net following a corner.
As the game entered the last 20 minutes, the Azzurri began to find more gaps in the Legia defence as the home side looked for an equaliser.
Midfielder Allan spurned a great chance to double Napoli’s lead when he broke through from midfield by could not beat Kuciak in a one-on-one.
Napoli finally found the second gaol with a stunning shot from Higuain that gave Kuciak no chance.
The Azzurri are top of their group alongside FC Midtylland having scored seven goals and conceded none.
