Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen opened scoring while Eljif Elmas doubled the goal for Seria A table-topping Napoli at Sampdoria to earn the league leaders a 2-0 victory on Sunday.
The win took Naples side seven points clear at the top of Serie A, ahead of second placed Juventus.
Sampdoria finished the match down to 10 men after they have Tomas Rincon sent off after just 38 minutes. Sampdoria finished the match in 18th place.
Napoli stretched their lead at the top of Serie A after a 2-0 win at 10-man Sampdoria.
Osimhen’s first-half strike and Eljif Elmas’ penalty with eight minutes left on the clock was enough to earn Luciano Spalletti’s side all three points at a soaking-wet Marassi.
Napoli were awarded a penalty inside four minutes when Nicola Murru brought down Andre-Frank Anguissa as the midfielder looked to bring the ball down in his stride and threaten the Sampdoria goal.
Matteo Politano stepped up but Emil Audero produced a strong left hand to guide the ball onto the post as Sampdoria managed to get the rebound clear.
Despite the quick start from Napoli, the hosts grew into the game and troubled the league leaders with a handful of big chances.
Manolo Gabbiadini steered an effort wide at the near post, and Bram Nuytinck headed a cross over the bar from close range.
Sampdoria would go on to rue their chances as Napoli flew down the other end through Mario Rui, with the left-back producing a great cross for Osimhen to poke the ball over the head of Audero.
Things went from bad to worse for Sampdoria as Tomas Rincon was shown a straight red card for a foul on Osimhen, who was far too quick for the home defender as he brought the Nigerian down with a flailing leg as Osimhen beat him for pace and drove toward goal.
Despite the man advantage, Napoli struggled to break Sampdoria down in the second half but eventually claimed a second with their second penalty of the match, converted by Elmas.
A VAR replay showed Ronaldo Vieira handle the ball as Elmas tried to flick a pass to Piotr Zielinski on the edge of the box.
The win means Napoli move seven points clear of second-place Juventus at the top of Serie A, while Sampdoria drop into the bottom three.
Source: Eurosport
