Napoli with their 4-0 win against Lazio on Sunday extended their Serie A lead to three points. The Italian giants also paid tribute to club great Diego Maradona by unveiling a statue in the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. 

Fans in Napoli wore shirts with the Maradona’s face on them for the Lazio clash.  It was a special night for Napoli fans as the match came three days after the one-year anniversary of Maradona’s death. The Argentine died on November 25 last year, from a hearth attack. He led Napoli to its only Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990 and is considered a god-like figure in the southern city.

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Corrado Ferlaino, the President of Napoli, had signed Maradona back in the day. He revealed the sculpture. The statue was unveiled in front of 40,000 Napoli fans.

During the unveiling, the club also showed a message by Brazilian legend Pelé for Diego Maradona.

“You know the love and the respect that I have for Maradona,” the Brazilian legend said.

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“Now, I have the opportunity to tell everyone that we can never forget a big player like him. He was a friend and I believe he deserves this ceremony in Naples.”

Napoli got off to a quick start as goals from Zieliński and Mertens put it 2-0 up with less than 10 minutes on the clock.

The second of Mertens’ goals, in the 29th minute, was a brilliant effort from the edge of the area that curled into the top left corner. It was a club record-extending 139th goal for Napoli from the Belgium forward.

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The 34-year-old Mertens was given a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 64th.

Another delightful goal from Ruiz that arrowed into the top corner from outside the area capped a memorable night for Napoli.

Lazio, which is led by former Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri, slipped seven points below fourth place.

With inputs from the Associated Press