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Napoli defeat edges Juventus closer to fifth successive title

Gonzalo Higuain scored then saw a red card in Napoli's 3-1 defeat to Udinese
Image: Gonzalo Higuain scored then saw a red card in Napoli's 3-1 defeat to Udinese

Juventus have moved a step closer to a record-equalling fifth successive Serie A title after their closest rivals Napoli lost at Udinese.

Sunday saw Italian football come together to mourn the loss of former national manager Cerare Maldini following his passing at the age of 84.

And after Juve had beaten Empoli 1-0 on Saturday night, that result took on extra significance as second-top Napoli were on the receiving end of a shock 3-1 defeat at struggling Udinese.

Only their fourth reverse in the league, the result leaves the Sao Paolo side six points behind Juventus having played the same number of games and with only seven to play.

Roma strengthened their position in third - the final Champions League place - as they routed city rivals Lazio 4-1, a result that saw Eagles head coach Stefano Pioli replaced by Simone Inzaghi.

Elsewhere, fourth-placed Fiorentina could only draw 1-1 at home to Sampdoria.

For Juventus to hold such a commanding lead at this point is made more remarkable by their poor start to the season, which at one stage saw them linger just above the relegation places.

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Udinese and Napoli players observe a moment of silence in memory of Cesare Maldini
Image: Udinese and Napoli players observe a moment of silence in memory of Cesare Maldini

Unlike English champions Chelsea, they quickly addressed their issues and now have a good chance of emulating their team of the early 1930s, which also won five titles in a row.

Napoli lost in a bad-tempered game which saw coach Maurizio Sarri sent to the stand and their sole scorer Gonzalo Higuain also dismissed in the closing quarter-hour.

They are chasing their first league title since the halcyon days of Diego Maradona et al in 1990 but their chances are diminishing, particularly as Juve have an easier run in.

Sarri, however, insists they still have hope and said: "The defeat will make us angry for a day or so but it will also give us enough fuel for the next seven games.

Large sections of the Stadio Olimpico were empty as many fans stayed away from the Rome derby in protest at new security measures
Image: Large sections of the Stadio Olimpico were empty as many fans stayed away from the Rome derby in protest at new security measures

"No one can point the finger at us because we're six points behind Juventus. We're having a great campaign.

"I have a squad of 25 players who will pick themselves back up and show great determination to finish the season on a high."

Roma's win - potentially the last derby success of Francesco Totti's playing career - was played in front of a near-empty Stadio Olimpico.

Many fans stayed away as they boycotted the match in protest at new security measures being imposed and they missed Stephan El Shaarawy's early goal which put Roma in front.

Stephan El Shaarawy wheels away in celebration after scoring the first goal in Roma's 4-1 win over Lazio
Image: Stephan El Shaarawy wheels away in celebration after scoring the first goal in Roma's 4-1 win over Lazio

Edin Dzeko got a second before German veteran Miroslav Klose pulled one back with 15 minutes left but Alessandro Matri and Diego Perotti secured a strong away win.

Elsewhere, AC Milan's hopes of Europa League football next season are hanging by a thread after a 2-1 loss at Atalanta.

Suso's hat-trick inspired Genoa to a 4-0 win over Frosinone while Palermo fell back into the relegation zone following a 3-1 reverse away to Chievo.

In the late game, Andrea Belotti's penalty completed a surprise comeback as Torino beat nine-man Internazionale 2-1 at San Siro.

The Nerazzurri dominated the first half after taking the lead with a Mauro Icardi spot-kick, but Cristian Molinaro replied for the visitors after the break.

Both Miranda and Yuto Nagatomo saw red for Inter before Belotti completed the turnaround, the result lifting the visitors up to 12 and leaving the hosts Inter in fifth.

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