Napoli end wait for a win with strong second-half show at Monza

Napoli's slow start to the season was finally given lift off after they thumped Serie A strugglers Monza 4-1 at Stadio Brianteo on Wednesday.

Matteo Politano, Rafa Marín and Kevin De Bruyne produced second-half goals after the rivals entered the interval at 1-1.

Napoli took an 11th-minute lead when Giovanni Di Lorenzo rode a tackle as he charged out of defence and then produced a defence-splitting pass that was met with a magnificent finish by Rasmus Hojlund.

Gustavo Varela equalised two minutes before half-time with a well-taken glancing header made possible by Jay Robinson's mazy run and pinpoint cross.

Napoli's worst start to a season for 16 years looked set to continue but the visitors surged clear after the break.

Politano was the first to strike when Monza gave the ball away as they defended an attack down the right and the Italy winger reacted in a flash, driving into the area and finishing with a flourish.

Marin's glancing header from a corner in the 63rd minute opened up daylight and soon after De Bruyne put the result beyond doubt when he collected a pass from Noa Lang and sent his shot between the legs of keeper Noel Tornqvist.

Injury-ravaged Napoli felt the pressure lift from their shoulders and they pressed for a fifth with Lang causing problems down the left.

The victory lifts them to sixth in table with four wins from nine matches while Monza occupy 16th place, just two points above the relegation zone.