Victor Osimhen justified his first start since November with one of the goals at Venezia to lift Napoli to second place on the Serie A table, but fellow Super Eagles star Tyronne Ebuehi was sent off for dangerous play.
Osimhen’s beautiful header on 59 minutes inspired his club to a crucial 2-0 win on the road and they have now toppled AC Milan to take second spot in the title race.
They are a point behind leaders Inter Milan.
He has now netted six goals in the league.
Napoli now have 52 points from 24 matches, same as Milan, but they enjoy a better goals difference.
Venezia were forced to play their final minutes of this clash a man short after Ebuehi bagged a straight red card for a late tackle.
The referee booked Ebuehi but VAR ordered a straight sending off.
Compatriot David Okereke started and finished the game for Venezia.