Napoli have moved to the top of Serie A after goals from Lorenzo Insigne and Gonzalo Higuain sealed a hard-fought win away to Hellas Verona.
Gli Azzurri began the game on the front foot, with Marek Hamsik forcing an early save out of Rafael before the Verona keeper denied Insigne midway through the first half.
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Higuain then tested Rafael again as Napoli tried to forge a breakthrough, but remained on level terms at the break.
As the visitors continued to enjoy plenty of possession, Hellas remained pinned back for long periods and were perhaps lucky not to fall behind when Higuain was again thwarted by Rafael.
However, after Pepe Reina tipped away Bosko Jankovic's effort, Napoli took the lead on 67 minutes as Hamsik teed up Insigne, who guided his shot into the bottom corner.
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Six minutes later, Napoli all-but sealed victory when Insigne turned provider for Higuain to score.
The visitors missed several late chances to add to their lead, but Gli Azzurri were able to cruise to victory and move one point clear of Fiorentina, who have a game in hand.
Chris O'Keefe
