The Partenopei's pizzazz of Wednesday made way for authority come Sunday, but wins against Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan show they have it in them to challenge

By Kris Voakes

For the first time since the days of Diego Maradona, Napoli look a serious title challenger once again. A magnificent performance balancing power and panache with belligerence and control saw off AC Milan at San Siro and laid down a marker in their quest for a first Serie A crown in 24 years.

As with their victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday, the Partenopei’s win was set up in the tactical brain of Rafa Benitez. Powerful bursts at the beginning of each half led to both of their goals and could have garnered more, and even though a much-improved Milan caused them trouble for long spells of the game they looked extremely solid for the most part and the three points were richly deserved.

Benitez has earned every bit of praise that is coming his way at the moment for setting about the task of bolstering the Azzurri as a proper unit, but the players’ ability to take on his direction and produce their recent string of performances is every bit as important in the turnaround of Napoli as a tactical outfit.

Whereas under Walter Mazzarri the side always appeared to have a weak underbelly, Benitez’s new shape and flexible approach to the job seems to be getting the very best out of his players. No longer do they look quite so beatable in the air. Question marks down either channel have also been dealt with well to date. Add in their ability to change pace as and when necessary, and the flair options that remain in the likes of Marek Hamsik and Lorenzo Insigne, and Napoli will take some beating this term
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