Napoli have made a return to winning ways in Serie A with a narrow 1-0 victory at struggling Sassuolo.

Rafael Benitez's side started positively and they nearly made the breakthrough when Jose Callejon saw his effort cleared off the line with 23 minutes played.

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However, Callejon did not have to wait long to find the net as he converted Gonzalo Higuain's cross five minutes later to put Napoli in front.

The visitors almost doubled their advantage before the break, but Higuain's effort flew narrowly wide of the post.

Lorenzo Insigne and Higuain then missed further chances for the home team before Sassuolo came to life and threatened to level the match during the final half an hour.

Simone Missiroli nearly made it 1-1 on 62 minutes when his volley flashed off target, while Nicola Sansone's free kick was saved by Rafael Cabral moments later.

Their best opportunity then arrived with five minutes left to play as Federico Peluso's deflected shot found the crossbar with Napoli struggling to hold on.