Napoli edge past Chievo

Napoli moved to within four points of Roma in the Serie A table by beating Chievo 2-1 at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi this afternoon.

The hosts came within inches of taking the lead in the eighth minute, but Alberto Paloschi was unable to get a touch on Sergio Pellissier's flicked header across goal.

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However, it was Napoli who made the early breakthrough as Manolo Gabbiadini raced through and saw his effort saved by Albano Bizarri, but the rebound cannoned off Bostjan Cesar and into his own goal.

Chievo responded well to that setback and scored a fortuitous goal of their own seven minutes later as Rafael's attempted clearance hit Miguel Britos and trickled into the net.

Gonzalo Higuain had a half-chance to put the visitors back into the lead, but, after driving into the box, he blazed a strike high over the bar.

After the break, both teams continued to create chances, with Ervin Zukanovic and Gabbiadini seeing efforts saved.

Napoli did manage to score a second just past the hour mark as Gabbiadini received a pass from Ivan Strinic inside the box before turning and firing a low strike that went in off the post.

The visitors pushed hard for a response, but they were unable to equalise for a second time as they slipped to a third successive defeat.