Napoli beats Parma 2-0 as fans return to Serie A stadiums

Napoli won 2-0 at Parma in a match that marked return of fans to Serie A stadiums on Sunday.Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne scored in second half for Napoli, which will be hoping to pose a threat to Juventus’ bid for a record-extending 10th successive Serie A title.Juventus is in action later at home to Sampdoria in what will be new coach Andrea Pirlo’s first match in charge.

In Parma, fans were present for first time since Serie A restarted during coronavirus pandemic after government agreed on Saturday to allow up to 1,000 fans into stadiums.Fans had to wear masks and follow social distancing regulations, while y also had ir temperature checked upon entering stadium.y had little to cheer in first half with just one shot on target. intensity increased after break and Napoli was furr transformed when new signing Victor Osimhen was brought on in 61st minute.

forward was involved in opener two minutes later when he pressured Parma's Simone Iacoponi in penalty area causing defender to head Hirving Loza’s cross straight at Mertens who drilled it into bottom right corner.Osimhen almost helped Napoli double its lead moments later when his flick found Insigne, who hit post.Insigne did score in 77th minute and Osimhen was again involved. Parma goalkeeper Luigi Sepe got a hand to Loza’s cross that was directed at Nigeria forward but could only palm it straight at Insigne, who fired in rebound from close range.

(Im Credit: AP)