Napoli dealt Champions League blow after Empoli defeat

Napoli's hopes of Champions League qualification suffered a blow after they fell to Empoli in Serie A this evening.

The home side got off to the perfect start when Massimo Maccarone slotted home after Manuel Pucciarelli teed him up.

Empoli scored two more within minutes of half time, firstly through a Miguel Britos own goal before Riccardo Saponara's strike.

Napoli got one back in the second half after Vincent Laurini turned the ball into his own net.

However, with under ten minutes to go, Raul Albiol scored the game's third own goal to give Empoli an unassailable lead.

Marek Hamsik scored in injury time for the visitors but it was merely a consolation.

The result leaves Napoli fourth and five points behind Roma, while Empoli move up to 14th.