Luciano Spalletti’s side is group A leader with 9 points and a +11 goal difference. They’re unbeaten in the Champions League and Serie A.
Historic Defeat
On a historic night, Napoli thrashed Dutch side Ajax 6-1 on Matchday 3 of the Champions League, played at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam. This was Ajax's biggest European defeat, their heaviest defeat in any competition since 1964, and their worst home loss. Ajax now sits third in their group, with one win in three matches, and are behind Liverpool but ahead of Rangers.
Napoli kept up its momentum by handing Ajax its worst-ever European defeat, surpassing its 5-1 loss to Bayern Munich in 1980. A completely unrecognizable Ajax came up against a Napoli side that was clinical and ruthless in front of the goal. The Italian side conceded an early goal but quickly seized total control and delivered a masterclass and one of their best performances of the season.
Napoli’s Superb Scoring
Napoli dominated the first half, even though it was Ajax who took the lead through Ghanaian international Mohammed Kudus in the sixth minute. After a series of rebounds and deflections in Napoli’s box, Kudus found himself with the ball deflecting off this shin and into the corner of the net. That would be the only true highlight for the Dutch giants.
Napoli's response came quickly in the 17th minute, Giacomo Raspadori tied the match. A long cross by Mathias Olivera found Raspadori, who leveled the score via an acrobatic diving header.
Napoli Was a Steamroller
The Italians were already the masters of the game, with Mexico’s international Hirving Lozano owning the right flank, putting on a great performance with several well-placed crosses. Napoli’s second goal came in the 33rd minute when captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo headed in a corner kick from Kvaratskhelia to give the visitors the lead for the first time in the match. But that wasn't all, as at 45+1, Piotr Zielinski finished a perfect counterattack to beat goalkeeper Remko Pasveer and make the 1-3 at halftime.
The second half started in the worst possible way for Ajax. A miscommunication between Pasveer and defender Bassey resulted in Napoli’s 1-4 lead and the second goal for Giacomo Raspadori. Whatever Ajax had planned in the dressing room came crashing down with this goal, which boosted Napoli's confidence, to the extent that in the 62nd minute they made it 1-5. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia appeared on the left to make a one-two with Raspadori, entered the box, and netted Napoli’s first goal.
Ajax Had No Response
To make matters worse, Serbian defender Dusan Tadic received two yellow cards, forcing Ajax to see the game out with ten men. Despite Napoli’s wide scoring advantage, the Italian side continued to push forward and wreak havoc against a confused Ajax squad. 10 minutes from the end, substitute Giovanni Simeone appeared in the area to capitalize on an excellent pass from Tanguy Ndombele, as dejected Ajax fans poured out of the stadium. The two clubs will meet again next Wednesday at the Stadio Diego Maradona, where Napoli hopes to put on another dominant display in front of their fans.
Napoli is without a doubt one of the best sides in Europe right now. They are atop of their Champions League group having demolished every opponent, first place in Serie A, and are real contenders to win something this season.