EMPOLI: A goal by striker Victor Osimhen and an own goal by Empoli defender Ardian Ismajli earned 10-man Napoli a 2-0 away win in Serie A on Saturday, extending their lead over second-placed Inter Milan to a staggering 18 points.

Napoli, who have kept a clean sheet in their last four league matches for a second time under coach Luciano Spalletti, remain top of the standings on 65 points.Napoli dominated the clash from the outset and pushed mid-table Empoli enough to pressure Ismajli into opening the scoring with an own goal in the 17th minute.

Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sent a lofted pass from the edge of the box to midfielder Piotr Zielinski who saw Osimhen in front of goal but before his cross could reach the striker, Ismajli put the ball in.

Liam Henderson Napoli keeper Alex Meret.

Osimhen made it 2-0 for Napoli just before the half-hour mark, tapping in a rebound from close range after Empoli keeper Guglielmo Vicario had parried a strike by Kvaratskhelia right into the Nigerian’s path.

The Nigerian striker has now scored in each of his last eight Serie A games, becoming the first player to score in eight Italian top-flight appearances in a row since Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese netted 11 in 2019-20.

The visitors were left with 10 men in the 67th minute after defender Mario Rui received a direct red for a foul on Empoli striker Francesco Caputo.

Empoli, winless in their last five outings, are 12th on 28 points.

Napoli next host Lazio on Friday, while Empoli travel to 11th-placed Monza the following day.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2023