Napoli returned to winning form with a convincing 4-1 victory over AC Monza at the Stadio Brianteo, ending a four-match winless run away from home. The result also marked only their second victory in their last nine Wednesday Serie A fixtures.

Looking to improve on their worst start to a top-flight campaign in 17 years, Napoli began with purpose and quickly took control, deservedly breaking the deadlock against Monza.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo drove forward through midfield before delivering a perfectly timed through ball to Rasmus Hojlund. The striker shifted the ball onto his left foot and calmly guided his finish into the bottom corner to give Napoli the lead.

Napoli had several opportunities to extend their advantage, with Matteo Politano and Mathias Olivera both coming close to scoring. However, the visitors faced a tougher challenge as the first half progressed.

Despite their low position in the league standings, Monza had demonstrated an ability to find the net during the opening part of the season, and they showed their attacking threat once again.

Foe Ondoa came close with a powerful effort that narrowly struck the base of the post on its way wide. Serie A’s leading scorer, Gustavo Varela, then forced Vanja Milinkovic-Savic into action with two further attempts.

The Serbian goalkeeper was eventually beaten when Jay Robinson advanced down the left flank and delivered a cross into the six-yard box. Varela was perfectly positioned to guide a header inside the far post, bringing Monza level before half-time.

Monza’s hopes of building on their first-half equaliser were quickly dashed after the restart, as a defensive error on the left allowed Matteo Politano to seize possession. The winger burst into the penalty area before calmly finding the far corner with a precise finish to restore Napoli’s lead.

Napoli continued to capitalise on their opponents’ defensive weaknesses, extending their advantage when Politano’s corner found Rafa Marin, whose glancing header nestled inside the far post.

Kevin De Bruyne then came off the bench to complete the scoring. Collecting a through ball from Noa Lang, the Belgian midfielder broke into the box and fired between Noel Tornqvist’s legs, maintaining his impressive form and sealing a comprehensive victory for Napoli. Monza, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a disappointing result after showing early promise.

The convincing victory gives Napoli renewed hope of securing European qualification, although they remain 11 points behind league leaders Inter Milan and Lazio after nine matches.

Monza, meanwhile, failed to build on their recent home performances, with the defeat marking the worst start to a Serie A season in the club’s history.