Lozano strikes twice as Napoli put six past Genoa in sensational second half

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:13 am

Hirving Lozano struck twice as Napoli thrashed Genoa 6-0 on Sunday to begin their Serie A campaign with back-to-back victories.

Further goals from Piotr Zielinski, Dries Mertens, Eljif Elmas and Matteo Politano sealed victory for Napoli.

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Mexico international Lozano drilled in a close-range volley after 10 minutes to give Gennaro Gattuso's side a narrow lead at the interval as captain Lorenzo Insigne limped off with a muscular problem.

Zielinski finished off a flowing team move within a minute of the restart, before Mertens was left with time and space to fire in a shot from the edge of the area.

Hirving Lozano celebrates scoring his second goal.
Photo by MB Media/Getty Images

Lozano then slotted home his second before substitutes Elmas and Politano piled on the misery for Genoa with well-taken finishes.

Genoa's preparation was hindered by positive coronavirus tests for goalkeeper Mattia Perin on Saturday and midfielder Lasse Schone on Sunday.

The victory sends Napoli to the top of the table with six points from their opening two matches, while Genoa are 11th with three points.