MILAN (AP) – The defending champions fell even further short in the title race on Wednesday, with Napoli having a frustrating night as they were held to a 0-0 draw at home to bottom-ranked Parma.
As a result, third-placed Napoli are now six points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan, with a 1-0 victory over relegation-threatened Lecce.
If AC Milan win in Como on Thursday, Inter could drop to just three points.
Parma, who have lost only one of their last four games, continue to stay out of the crisis and move eight points above the relegation zone.
Napoli had drawn their previous two games 2-2, including: Sunday’s title showdown with Inter Milan — Overtaken by Roma and Juventus for third place.
Antonio Conte was given a two-game touchline suspension from Wednesday after being sent off at the San Siro.
Napoli appeared to have taken an early lead against Parma, but Scott McTominay’s shot was ruled out on video review after teammate Pasquale Mazzocchi was slightly offside in the build-up.
Parma goalkeeper Filippo Rinaldi made his first-team debut and made a sensational save in the 27th minute, parrying Alessandro Bongiorno’s bullet header from close range.
Rinaldi made a number of other saves as the determined Parma defense managed to fend off Napoli’s onslaught.
Rinaldi, 23, was named player of the match.
One of the few positives for Napoli was the arrival of David Neres, who had missed the last few games with an ankle sprain, coming on midway through the second half. However, the Brazilian clearly wasn’t feeling well and was sent off just before full-time.
narrow victory
Although the situation was far from perfect, Inter were able to take an important step towards winning the Scudetto.
Substitute Pio Esposito scored the only goal of a mediocre game in the 78th minute.
The ball floated into the box and Esposito played it to Lautaro Martinez. Lautaro Martínez was initially rested, but was brought on late as Inter badly needed firepower.
Lautaro’s shot was deflected, but Esposito tapped in the rebound. The 20-year-old celebrated by showing off his muscles.
Lecce remained just three points above the drop zone.
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