NAPLES, Italy (AP) – Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay scored 25 seconds into the game as Napoli beat Como 3-1 to secure first place in Serie A on Friday.
Antonio Conte’s men are four points clear of Juventus, although the second-placed side have a game in hand and could close the gap against Cagliari on Saturday.
Napoli wasted no time in taking the lead as McTominay scored his second goal in three games.
Como entered the game slowly and Gabriel Streezza equalized two minutes before the break with a low shot into the bottom corner. This was the first goal Napoli have conceded since August 31.
Romelu Lukaku put Napoli back in front with a penalty eight minutes into the second half and then his defence-splitting pass allowed substitute David Neres to score a third past Como goalkeeper Emil Audero four minutes from time.
Napoli struggled at times, especially in the first half, but the win was in line with their good start to the season. They have lost just one of their eight official games and have scored 14 goals in their last five games.
The newly established Como is still in tenth place.
A late goal gives Verona the win
An own goal from Jesse Joronen looks to be the finale to give Verona a 2-1 win over Venice.
Gaetano Oristanio gave Venezia a 1-0 lead in the second minute when he took advantage of poor defensive marking on a corner kick to head home at the far post.
However, the home side responded seven minutes later, when Danish striker Casper Tengstedt capped a brilliant move with a volley to tie the score.
Verona got the winning goal nine minutes from time, when goalkeeper Joronen headed Grigoris Kastanos into his own goal.