Matteo Politano netted the decisive goal as SSC Napoli came from behind to defeat US Lecce 2–1 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, securing their third successive victory in Serie A.

The Giallorossi entered the match on the back of two defeats but stunned the hosts by taking the lead inside the opening three minutes. Defender Jamil Siebert rose highest to meet a corner delivered by Danilo Veiga, powering a header past goalkeeper Alex Meret, who could only watch as the ball flew into the net.

Despite Napoli enjoying the majority of possession during the first half, Lecce looked the more dangerous side going forward. Midway through the half, Lameck Banda nearly doubled the visitors’ advantage after cutting inside onto his right foot, but his effort was bravely blocked by Mathías Olivera.

Napoli’s best opportunity before the break fell to Politano, who surged forward on a counter-attack and fired towards goal, only to see his effort strike the side netting.

The Partenopei responded immediately after the restart. Less than a minute into the second half, Billy Gilmour found Politano with a precise through ball out wide. One quick pass later, Rasmus Højlund converted from close range after Lecce goalkeeper Wladimiro Falcone failed to deal with the cross, bringing Napoli level.

The equaliser appeared to energise Antonio Conte’s side. Shortly after the hour mark, Kevin De Bruyne slipped Alisson Santos through on goal, but Falcone reacted quickly, getting down low to deny the winger.

However, Napoli’s pressure soon paid off. From a corner, a looping header dropped to Politano inside the box, and the winger struck a first-time volley that flew into the back of the net to complete the comeback.

Lecce struggled to mount a response after falling behind and their situation worsened late on when Banda was forced off on a stretcher after the visitors had already used all their substitutions, leaving them to finish the match with ten men.

The victory extends Napoli’s unbeaten head-to-head run against Lecce to eight matches (six wins and two draws) and keeps them as the only side yet to suffer a home defeat in the league this season. Meanwhile, Lecce’s struggles continue, with a third defeat in four games leaving them just three points above the relegation zone.