Luciano Spalletti hails Weston McKennie as Juventus sweep Napoli aside

The coach even suggesting the United States international could thrive as a central striker following Sunday's statement victory at the Allianz Stadium.

Juventus controlled the contest from the opening stages and were rewarded with three goals that lifted them back into the Serie A top five. Speaking after the match, Spalletti was full of admiration for McKennie's all-round qualities and his impact across the pitch.

"McKennie is a perfect central striker," Spalletti said. "He fights, he's strong in the air and he can jump high. He plays to get results because he makes decisions. He would be a perfect striker."

McKennie played the full 90 minutes as Juventus dominated the reigning champions, keeping pace with the teams chasing the top four and leaders Inter Milan, who remained top with 52 points after 22 matches.

Juventus set the tone early. Francisco Conceicao sent a dangerous effort narrowly wide before McKennie headed just off target. Khephren Thuram then came close, curling a shot against the crossbar as Napoli struggled to cope with Juve's intensity.

The breakthrough arrived midway through the first half. Jonathan David, enjoying a strong run of form, controlled Manuel Locatelli's pass with his chest and finished calmly to make it 1-0. It was David's third goal in four games, and Spalletti highlighted his composure in tight spaces.

"He showed he can hold his own in the box where there is no space," Spalletti said. "If you put all your strength into those moments, you get the reward. He scored like a proper striker."

Juventus could have doubled their lead before the break, only for Alessandro Buongiorno to clear Conceicao's effort off the line.

Napoli offered little after the restart, and Juventus made their control count. Kenan Yildiz punished a poor pass from Juan Jesus to score the second, before substitute Filip Kostic added a late third with a powerful drive from outside the area.

The defeat saw Napoli drop from third to fourth, level on points with Roma, while Inter stayed nine points clear at the top. Romelu Lukaku returned from injury as a second-half substitute but missed his only chance after being set up by Rasmus Hojlund.

For Juventus, it was just a second win in 10 meetings with Napoli, but one delivered with authority. For Spalletti, it was another reminder of his squad's growing confidence and the versatility of players like McKennie and David as the season gathers pace. 

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