Napoli tightened the noose on second-placed Milan with a 2-1 victory over visitors Torino on Friday, kicking off Serie A Matchday 28.
With hopes of defending their title logically dashed by the large gap to leaders Inter, Napoli at least eyes a Champions League spot for next season.
Second place would be a positive outcome for Antonio Conte's side, who cut the gap to Milan to just one point ahead of the latter's fierce derby against Inter on Sunday evening.
Against a Torino side unbeaten at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona since May 2009 (1-2 loss), Napoli welcomed back star Belgian Kevin De Bruyne and Cameroonian Frank Anguissa from long-term injuries—Anguissa at halftime, De Bruyne in the 79th minute.
The hosts started perfectly, opening the scoring in the 7th minute with a stunning long-range strike from new signing Brazilian Alison Santos—his second league goal in four appearances since joining on loan from Sporting CP earlier this month.
Conte's men waited until the 68th minute for the second, North Macedonian Eljif Elmas heading home Matteo Politano's lofted pass.
The finale was breathless: Torino pulled one back via Cesare Casadei's header from a corner (87'), but Napoli held firm for the three points, condemning the visitors to their 14th defeat of the season.
