Napoli have maintained their perfect start to the Serie A season with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Atalanta at home.

The hosts were on the back foot in the opening minutes as goalkeeper Pepe Reina was forced to make a save from Luca Cigarini's long-range effort.

Soon after Napoli forward Goran Pandev surged forward and tested Andrea Consigli, and then shot just wide of the neat post.

Giandomenico Mesto also kept Consigli busy, while at the other end German Denis headed wide.

The start of the second half saw Denis and Cigarini go close for Atalanta, while Lorenzo Insigne had his close-range effort turned away.

Gonzalo Higuain also tested Consigli as Napoli gradually began to dominate proceedings at the Stadio San Paolo, with Gokhan Inler also trying his luck but in vain.

Then in the 71st minute Rafael Benitez's side took the lead as Higuain shot home from the left side of the box with his right foot.

Things went from bad to worse for Atalanta three minutes later when Cigarini was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Napoli ascertained the points nine points from time when Jose Callejon turned home Blerim Dzemaili's pass from inside the visitors' box.