Napoli and Inter Milan walked away winners in Saturday’s Serie A action.
Inter Milan 1-0 Udinese
After three games, Antonio Conte’s spell at Inter Milan remains in immaculate shape.
According to the table, there is no better team than I Nerazzurri, who have won their first three league matches - notching seven goals and conceding only one along the way. In other words, the Italian’s astute coaching style remains effective.
Despite, Inter’s convincing play throughout the 90 minutes, only a goal would separate them from visiting Udinese, who played a with 10 players from the 35th minute on, following Rodrigo De Pual’s slap to the back of Antonio Candreva’s head.
In the 44th minute, Stefano Sensi - one of the smallest players on the field - headed the ball into the back of the net. Late in the game, Alexis Sanchez nearly scored in his Inter debut.
In the end, Udinese were no match for Antonio Conte and Co., who find themselves in prime form heading into their Champions League return midweek.
Up next for Inter in league play: Derby della Madonnina. Udinese, on the hand, host Brescia.
Napoli 2-0 Sampdoria
Dries Mertens is the gift that keeps on giving for Napoli.
To be exact, the Belgian gifted his team two goals on Saturday. 13 minutes in, following a perfectly-placed cross from Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Mertens’ first-time strike was unstoppable for Emil Audero.
Emiliano Rigoni had Sampdoria’s best chance of the night in a one-on-one opportunity with Alex Meret. The Argentine, however, wasted one of the visiting side’s two chances all night.
Then in the 67th minute - with some luck on his corner -Mertens completed his brace off a deflected shot, giving his team their second win of the season.
Quick turnaround for Napoli as they host Liverpool midweek before traveling to take on Lecce in league play, while Sampdoria take on Torino next.
Elsewhere in Serie A
Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus