Wednesday 4 March 2015 23:45, UK
Manolo Gabbiadini's away goal gave Napoli a slender advantage from the first leg of a Coppa Italia semi-final match-up at Lazio.
The home side had lost all but one of their past six clashes against Napoli but almost took an early lead when Miroslav Klose headed a corner off the left upright.
However, the veteran German striker did give Lazio the lead after 33 minutes at the Stadio Olimpico, latching onto Felipe Anderson's sumptuous through ball before slotting it underneath Mariano Andujar.
Napoli went close to the equaliser five minutes into the second half but David Lopez's header from a corner clipped the top of the crossbar.
But Rafa Benitez's side, who are two points above Lazio in the race for third in Serie A, were not to be denied for long, hitting back with a crucial away goal to make it 1-1 through Gabbiadini.
The Italy international, who has scored five goals for Napoli since a January move from Sampdoria, tapped home Gonzalo Higuain's pass in the 58th minute to give the holders a narrow advantage heading into next month’s second-leg.
Reigning Serie A champions Juventus contest the other semi-final and meet Fiorentina in Turin on Thursday - you can watch Juventus v Fiorentina live on Sky Sports 5 on Thursday from 7.40pm.
