NAPOLI survived a tough test at Atalanta on Sunday as Dries Mertens’ second-half goal gave them a 1-0 win that kept them top of Serie A.
The Belgian forward ran onto a through ball by Jose Callejon and let the ball bounce several times before scoring with a dipping half-volley over goalkeeper Etrit Berisha in the 65th minute.
Napoli, who avenged their Coppa Italia defeat at home to the same team earlier this month, lead with 54 points from 21 games, four clear of Juventus.
Mertens had not scored in his last nine league outings.
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But he took his tally for the season to 11 as his side extended their unbeaten away record in the league to 24 games.
Napoli had the better of the match and could have gone ahead early in the second half.
Berisha made a point-blank save from Callejon’s header and Andrea Masiello hooked the ball clear as Mertens looked set to score.
Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina was then called into action and made a crucial save from a Bryan Cristante shot.
Napoli captain Marek Hamsik then missed a sitter.
The star fired over from close range after he had been set up by Mertens.
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But it did not matter as the visitors held on to secure the win.
Juve can move to within a point of the leaders if they overcome Genoa on Monday evening.
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