Fernando Llorente double helps Napoli thrash Lecce

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:20 am

A Fernando Llorente double helped Napoli move into third place in Serie A with a 4-1 win at Lecce on Sunday.

Spaniard Llorente struck the opening goal on his first start for Carlo Ancelotti's side before Lorenzo Insigne doubled their lead with a penalty before the break.

Fabian Ruiz's curling strike made it three before Marco Mancosu pulled one back for Lecce from the penalty spot, but Llorente made sure of the points with a tap-in.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Llorente earned a starting spot for the first time since joining Napoli on a free transfer on deadline day.

The 34-year-old scored in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Liverpool during the week and was again decisive as he latched on to a deflected shot to roll in Napoli's opener after 28 minutes.

Insigne then scored from the spot at the second time of asking after goalkeeper Gabriel was pinged for coming off his line early when he saved the first effort, resulting in a retake.

Ruiz struck a sublime third after the break before Mancosu gave the home side hope from the spot, but Llorente ended any suggestion of a comeback when he pounced on Gabriel's parry to tap in his side's fourth with eight minutes remaining.