Juventus strengthened their push for a top-four finish with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Napoli at the Allianz Stadium, claiming just their second win in the last 10 meetings between the sides.

After seeing a six-match Serie A unbeaten run ended by defeat to Cagliari last time out, the Bianconeri responded in impressive fashion. A morale-boosting midweek victory over Benfica in the UEFA Champions League had restored confidence, and that belief was evident from the opening exchanges of this crucial clash.

Juventus began with far greater intensity, pressing high and dictating the tempo. Their first meaningful opportunity arrived in the 13th minute when Francisco Conceição’s ambitious cross-shot drifted narrowly wide. From that moment on, chances began to flow. Weston McKennie headed just past the post before Khéphren Thuram rattled the crossbar with a curling effort.

Napoli briefly threatened through Antonio Vergara, who forced Michele Di Gregorio into a smart save, but Juventus remained firmly in control and made their dominance count in the 22nd minute.

Jonathan David, growing in confidence after a difficult start to life in Turin, extended his recent scoring run with a composed finish after expertly controlling the ball on his chest. The goal was a fitting reward for Juve’s superiority, and only a timely goal-line clearance from Alessandro Buongiorno prevented Conceição from doubling the lead shortly before half-time.

The second half unfolded at a slower pace, with Juventus content to protect their advantage and absorb Napoli’s pressure. The visitors attempted to respond through Rasmus Højlund and Miguel Gutiérrez, but neither effort seriously tested Di Gregorio.

As the match wore on, Napoli’s belief visibly faded, while Juventus grew increasingly assured. Their cushion was doubled with just under 15 minutes remaining when Kenan Yıldız capitalised on a careless pass from Juan Jesus, finishing calmly to all but seal the contest.

Luciano Spalletti’s side rounded off a thoroughly professional performance late on, as substitute Filip Kostić fired home a powerful strike from outside the box to add further gloss to the scoreline.

The result represents a significant setback for Napoli’s fading Scudetto ambitions. Now nine points behind leaders Inter Milan with 16 games remaining, their hopes of retaining the title are slipping away.

Attention now turns to Wednesday’s decisive UEFA Champions League clash with Chelsea, where anything less than victory is likely to end their European campaign.