Napoli’s title hopes are all but over after they shockingly lost 2-1 at home to Udinese.
Napoli, who had won their last four league matches to climb back into the title race, were undone by strikes from Gökhan Inler (55) and former Napoli forward Germán Denis (61). Although Giuseppe Mascara pulled a goal back in added time, Napoli’s night was summed up when Edinson Cavani’s penalty was saved by Samir Handanovič.
Napoli are six points back of leaders AC Milan with five games to go. A lead that I cannot see Milan throwing away.
Udinese, who had Maurizio Domizzi dismissed late on, are now only a point behind fourth-placed Lazio. Eduardo Reja’s side closed to within three points of Inter Milan after putting four past Catania, Hernanes (40), Stefano Mauri (56), Sergio Floccari (78) and Mauro Zárate (89) on target in Sicily.
Juventus, however, missed out on the chance to leapfrog Roma into sixth following a goalless draw at Fiorentina.
Brescia’s relegation worries increased following a 3-0 defeat by Genoa, while ten-man Chievo Verona, in twelfth, beat Bologna 2-0. Elsewhere, Lecce scored in added time to draw 3-3 with Cagliari and Cesena are out of the relegation zone thanks to a 1-0 victory against bottom club Bari.
Top of the table
1. AC Milan: 71 points
2. Napoli: 65 points
3. Inter Milan: 63 points
4. Lazio: 60 points
5. Udinese: 59 points
