Napoli have continued their inconsistent start to the Serie A season, but lead Palermo 3-2 after a rollercoaster opening 45 minutes at the Stadio San Paolo this evening.
Rafael Benitez's side were ahead inside the opening two minutes through Kalidou Koulibaly.
The French defender rose to head home Jose Callejon's cross after Palermo failed to deal with an early corner.
Napoli doubled their lead on 11 minutes through striker Duvan Zapata's powerful finish from Marek Hamsik's pass.
However, Palermo pulled one back seven minutes later when Andrea Belotti converted Edgar Barreto's cross.
The Sicilians then dramatically levelled the tie through Argentine midfielder Franco Vazquez on 24 minutes.
On the stroke of half time Callejon restored Napoli's lead with a smart finish from the edge of the Palermo box.
Joe Sharratt
