<!--Article Start--> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td class="document jq_ColDocument jq_ShareArea"> <div class="tooltipContent"> <div class="scrollContent jq_Content jq_langdir tinyscrollbar doctooltip-y fontsize_0"> <div class="viewport"> <div class="overview"> <h3 style="text-align: justify">Gonzalo Higuain struck in either half as Napoli toppled 10-man Inter Milan 2-1 in a spectacular clash at the San Paolo to go top of the Serie A table on Monday.</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">Inter travelled south for the first big away test of what they hope will be a title-winning campaign, but with just a two-point cushion on a Napoli side whose last defeat came on the opening day of the season.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Inter were shell-shocked by the lightning start of Maurizio Sarri's men and their hopes of staying top suffered a blow when Yuto Nagatomo saw red a minute before the interval.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">But Inter regrouped and Adem Ljajic reduced arrears on the hour with a fine individual strike. Yet despite a battling finish that saw the visitors hit the woodwork twice, it wasn't enough to stop Napoli going a point clear at the top for the first time this season.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Inter drop to second with Fiorentina, held 1-1 at Sassuolo earlier Monday, a point further off the pace in third.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Higuain and Napoli's players milked the applause at an appreciative San Paolo and the Argentina striker dedicated taking his league-leading tally for the season to 12 goals to the city and the fans.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"It's a magic night. I'm happy for the fans, for the team and for the people of Napoli," Higuain told Sky Sport.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"I think we deserve it, it's not often we're in the lead. The season is still long, but we have to capitalise on going top."</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Roma's shock 2-0 home defeat to Atalanta has left embattled Rudi Garcia's side in fourth at four points behind Napoli, with champions Juventus now up to fifth, at seven points off the pace.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Napoli began at break-neck speed and a panicky Inter were made to pay for Jeison Murillo's mis-hit clearance on the edge of the area when it found its way to Higuain via a deft touch from Jose Callejon.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">The Argentinian was left in space on the right and coolly volleyed past Samir Handanovic.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Nagatomo, who had earlier been cautioned for a foul on Callejon, was given his marching orders, rather harshly, when he was cautioned for a second time after sliding in late but without malice to challenge Allan, who was left writhing on the ground.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Mancini hit out at the officiating when he told to Premium Sport: "Nagatomo didn't deserve his first yellow card, Callejon simulated the foul. The red card that sent Nagatomo off for a half-foul was decisive.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"Without the red, we wouldn't have lost."</p> <p style="text-align: justify">But when asked about Inter's biggest tormentor, Mancini didn't hide: "Higuain's an amazing striker. You give him half a ball and he scores."</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Mancini introduced full-back Alex Telles for striker Mauro Icardi but Napoli soon added to their tally. Higuain was unstoppable as he ran on to Raul Albiol's powerful header and out-sprinted Inter's centre-backs to smash his finish past Handanovic.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Higuain's 12th league goal this season took him clear of Sampdoria striker Eder.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Inter reduced arrears minutes later when Ljajic fired low into the near bottom corner through a crowd of defenders.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Inter almost caused a sensation in added-on time when a Stevan Jovetic header bounced off the post. In the follow-up, Reina scrambled to tip Miranda's effort on to the other upright.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Earlier, title-chasing Fiorentina spurned the chance to go top after a 1-1 draw at feisty Sassuolo.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Borja Valero broke the deadlock after five minutes but Fiorentina were made to pay for a series of misses when Sergio Floccari headed home the leveller three minutes before the interval.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Fiorentina coach Paulo Sousa said his side were "tired" after a 2-2 Europa League draw at FC Basel last week.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"I'm disappointed, we paid for our efforts last Thursday and after the interval Sassuolo moved up a gear.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"We missed the chance for 2-0, then in the second half we got tired and lost concentration."</p> <p style="text-align: justify"><strong>By AFP</strong></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> . </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <!--Article End-->