Napoli ease to victory against Marseille

Napoli have defeated Marseille 2-1 in their Champions League match at the Stade Velodrome this evening.

Dries Mertens had an early chance for the visitors with a curling free kick that Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda managed to push wide.

Benoit Cheyrou then came close to giving the home side the lead but he fired wide from Jeremy Morel's cross.

Marseille tested Pepe Reina for the first time 10 minutes from the end of the first half through Souleymane Diawara, who headed straight at the keeper from Dimitri Payet's corner.

The away side wasted a great chance to score when the returning Gonzalo Higuain found himself with just Mandanda to beat but dragged his shot wide.

With three minuntes of the first half remaining Napoli took the lead. Jose Callejon latched on to a ball over the top from Higuain, before cutting inside of Rod Fanni and firing low past the keeper.

After the break Payet headed over from Morel's cross before Gokhan Inler struck a low shot just wide.

Napoli doubled their lead in the 68th minute through Duvan Zapata who took a touch from Mertens's clever flick, before curling a shot over Mandanda that gave the keeper no chance.

With four minutes remaining Andre Ayew pulled one back but his goal came too late and Napoli held on to win leaving Marseille pointless after their first three group matches.