Napoli ended a winless run of five matches on Monday with a 2-0 win over Serie A rivals Chievo thanks to goals from Uruguayan duo Miguel Angel Britos and Edinson Cavani. The win – which followed a run of four draws and a defeat – saw them climb to a point off sixth-placed AS Roma, who slumped to a surprise 1-0 defeat by relegation-threatened Siena. Napoli had the game won by half-time as first Britos rose to head home a 14th minute corner and then Cavani otherwise known as the ‘Matador’ tucked away a 37th minute penalty he had obtained himself when fouled by Chievo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino.
Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri said that his side were capable of playing better football once they relaxed. “This is an important victory,” he said.
“I am convinced that when we overcome the fear factor, the pressure that we feel weighing down on us, Napoli will show a much better quality of play.” Roma were left kicking themselves as they missed the chance to leapfrog ailing Inter Milan – who had seen their winless run extended to five games with a stunning 1-0 defeat to tailenders Novara on Sunday. Siena’s goal came from the penalty spot in the 51st minute after Danish central defender Simon Kjaer – who had only come n at half-time – brought down Mattia Destro earning him a yellow card to boot.
