Why Gonzalo Higuain's Hat-Trick Could Be a Turning Point in Napoli's Season

With the score deadlocked at 2-2 in the 66th minute, Napoli were on the brink of facing another disappointing result in front of their home fans.

Nevertheless, two minutes later, a loose ball found its way to Gonzalo Higuain and the rest was history. The Argentine went on to complete a hat-trick but—more importantly—got on the scoresheet for the first time in league play this season.

Last weekend's match against Verona saw a Napoli side harshly concede in under just a minute of play. But the manner in which the Partenopei responded is what every supporter of the club has long been waiting for. The match is easily the turning point for Napoli’s season.

With Higuain rediscovering his form and the style in which they won, Napoli have hurdled their mental roadblock and will improve their performances for the rest of the season to be a serious contender for a Champions League spot.

The Partenopei’s biggest challenge has been finishing on goal and coming back from behind. The Verona match showcased Napoli reacting very positively after letting in an early goal, firing seven shots on goal alone in the first half.

Urgency was displayed—previously witnessed in only minor flashes this season. Higuain breaking his goal-scoring drought was a big part of it.

The Argentine striker’s season thus far has been his worst in recent memory. Before the Verona contest, he averaged 2.14 total shots with 0.85 on target, per WhoScored.com.

Against Verona, the home side were able to come down from behind and play quality football for the rest of the match, mostly thanks in part to Marek Hamsik and Higuain producing top-notch performances, Hamsik adding two assists.

The Verona thumping illustrates that the dark cloud over the players seem to have lifted, and they should find the back of the net much easier.

But Higuain’s previous performances characterised someone lacking the right focus, rather than poor form. It appeared as though he was suffering from a lack of confidence more than anything else. According to Rafael Benitez, the striker was “let out of the cage” against Verona, per Sky Sports Italia (h/t Football Italia).

The striker’s return to form signals a new aura of the side’s mentality and a return of Napoli’s blistering attack. The squad boasted one of the fiercest attacks in Serie A last season, combining for a total of 104 goals scored in all competitions, per WhoScored.

Looking ahead to Saturday’s big match against Roma, Benitez was positive on his player’s new attitude. Speaking in a press conference (h/t Football Italia), the Spaniard stated:

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Yes tomorrow’s game is an opportunity to show our ambitions once again. We must be confident because we can beat anyone. We have seen that everyone can fail, even Juventus have lost a game.

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Although Napoli failed to secure full points away to Atalanta in midweek, the team once again came back and showed great character and intensity, with only bad luck tainting the performance. Their next fixture against Roma promises to be the highlight of the weekend.

The heavy pressure has eased off many of the players since Higuain has scored, and the side has shown definite hunger collectively. Furthermore, the match displayed that Rafa’s side have the mental fortitude and drive to compete in the long run, by displaying great character after conceding early.

The lessons the players must take from the recent week are simple: Do not lose focus and do not under- or over-value the opponent. The 6-2 victory has symbolized a turning of the page from a disappointing start.

Now we can witness Napoli’s true potential. It’s do or die now.