ROME: Napoli further closed the gap on leaders AC Milan to just three points with a victory on Sunday but Juventus failed to keep pace as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Chievo.
Napoli looked to be heading for a frustrating stalemate until Edinson Cavani struck deep into injury time to thrash a stunning winner from 25 yards into the top corner. Juventus, on the other hand, were the victims of a late equaliser as Sergio Pellissier popped up at the back post to stroke home in time added on. Those results left Napoli second ahead of Lazio on goal difference with Juve two points further back.
Milan had lost 1-0 at home to Roma on Saturday night to give their chasers a boost. The two games ended in major drama. Napoli had toiled throughout the game without enjoying much success but once again they scored in the “Mazzarri zone”, so dubbed because Walter Mazzarri’s team seem to always score in the last 15 minutes of matches.
Cavani struck just moments after Gianluca Gava saved Napoli by clearing Daniele Corvia’s shot off the line.There was late drama in Verona too. Juventus were handed a let-off after Giorgio Chiellini felled Davide Moscardelli in the area, with goalkeeper Marco Storari saving Michele Marcolini’s spot-kick on 15 minutes.
Chievo were made to pay when Fabio Quagliarella scored a brilliant acrobatic overhead volley on 31 minutes. Juve hit the woodwork twice through Frederik Sorensen and Milos Krasic but had Manuel Giandonato sent off for bringing down Frenchman Kevin Constant as he bore down on goal. Juve had to hang on for 40 minutes but couldn’t quite manage it as Pellissier popped up late on to snatch the draw.
