Napoli lose 6-2 to PSV as defence is exposed in Champions League

Napoli suffered a heavy 6-2 defeat at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday, exposing defensive frailties and deepening concerns about the Serie A champions' Champions League campaign. Scott McTominay briefly gave Napoli the lead in the 31st minute, but PSV recovered to score six times at the Philips Stadion, turning the match decisively in their favour.

After McTominay's header, PSV equalised through an own goal and then took the lead inside a short spell before half time. Dennis Man extended PSV's advantage early in the second half, and Lorenzo Lucca was sent off in the 76th minute for dissent, reducing Napoli to ten men. Man added a second late on, and substitutes Ricardo Pepi and Couhaib Driouech compounded Napoli's collapse in the closing minutes. McTominay scored a late consolation, leaving the final score 6-2.

The result was Napoli's first time conceding six goals in European competition and their first match with six goals conceded overall since a 6-3 league defeat in December 1997. It also leaves Napoli with one win from their opening three Champions League fixtures, a precarious position as they seek automatic qualification from the group stage.

Manager Antonio Conte acknowledged...