Ten-man Napoli beat Empoli 2-0 away

EMPOLI, Italy: A goal by striker Victor Osimhen and an own goal by Empoli defender Ardian Ismajli earned 10-man Napoli a 2-0 away win in Serie A on Saturday (Feb 25), extending their lead over second-placed Inter Milan to a staggering 18 points.

Napoli dominated the clash from the outset and pushed mid-table Empoli enough to pressure Ismajli into opening the scoring with an own goal in the 17th minute.

Osimhen made it 2-0 for Napoli just before the half-hour mark, tapping in a rebound from close range after Empoli keeper Guglielmo Vicario had parried a strike by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia right into the Nigerian's path.

The visitors were left with 10 men in the 67th minute after defender Mario Rui received a direct red for a foul on Empoli striker Francesco Caputo.

Napoli remain top of the standings on 65 points. Empoli are 12th on 28.