Half-Time Report: Gonzalo Higuain brace gives Napoli lead

Gonzalo Higuain has scored twice in the first half to give Napoli a 2-0 lead over Sampdoria in their Serie A match at the Stadio San Paolo.

The hosts opened the scoring less than 10 minutes after kickoff as Lorenzo Insigne broke down the left before crossing the ball in for Higuain, leaving the striker to smash home from close range.

Insigne could have doubled Napoli's lead a couple of minutes later when he found himself in space just outside the penalty area, but his curling finish was just wide of the post.

The hosts continued to look the more likely as Insigne lofted the ball in again, before Higuain saw his shot blocked, while Cristian Maggio headed wide just before the half-hour mark.

Sampdoria tried to get back on level terms shortly before the break when Eder made a run at the home side's goal, but his powerful shot from the edge of the box lacked accuracy.

The miss allowed Napoli to press back down the other end moments later, resulting in Allan sliding the ball in for Higuain to add his second, slotting into the bottom-left corner with a low finish.