Napoli's hopes dive after defeat at Empoli
Napoli's hopes of playing European football next season suffered a setback as it endured a frustrating 1-0 defeat at lowly Empoli in Serie A.
Empoli, which is battling against relegation, scored after four minutes when Alberto Cerri headed in a close-range cross.
In the second half, Napoli pushed to find an equaliser but failed to create any clear cut chances, and remains eighth on the table. Roma, in fifth, is six points clear and has two games in hand over Napoli and Lazio, which is sixth.
Serie A is set get at least five spots in an expanded UEFA Champions League competition next season.
Empoli, meanwhile, put a four-point gap between itself and the drop zone with this win.
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