Lukaku answers critics as Napoli come from behind to thump Udinese

Udinese, without their trusted shot-stopper Maduka Okoye, led for a chunk of the match, but an inspired second-half performance from Napoli ensured they came out 3-1 winners.

Napoli's quest for three crucial points against Udinese got off to a blistering start, with Antonio Conte's side dominating possession in the opening exchanges.

The visitors' relentless pressure yielded a golden opportunity for David Neres, who disappointingly fired Giovanni Di Lorenzo's pinpoint cross high and wide. 

Udinese gradually found their footing, and almost reaped rewards when Florian Thauvin's effort sailed over the bar.Thauvin was soon presented with another chance to break the deadlock from the penalty spot after Stanislav Lobotka was penalised for handball. 

Although Alex Meret produced a stunning save to deny Thauvin's initial effort, the Frenchman pounced on the rebound to give Udinese a surprise lead.

The goal did not seem to spark any sort of fight in Napoli, however, Conte's halftime team talk seemed to do the trick, as the Partenopei came into the second half with verve. 

Within five minutes of the restart, Napoli drew level courtesy of Romelu Lukaku's first goal since November, as he ending a week of comparisons between himself and the Partenopei's former gunman, Osimhen. 

Napoli's momentum continued to build, and they took the lead when Neres' mazy run into the box culminated in Lautaro Giannetti's own goal. The visitors sealed the win in the 81st minute through Anguissa's powerful strike, which proved too much for Razman Sava.