Napoli Draw Against Parma Gives Serie A Top Side Inter a Chance to Pull Ahead

Napoli could slip even further back from the top of Serie A after Inter Milan following a 0-0 stalemate against Parma on Wednesday.

The defending title holders managed few clear opportunities apart from a Scott McTominay effort ruled out due to an offside call on Pasquale Mazzocchi in the build-up.

A lacklustre encounter at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona concluded with Napoli sitting third and trailing Inter by three points.

However Inter have the opportunity to extend their lead to six points over both Napoli and runners-up AC Milan should they secure victory against bottom-tier Lecce at home later that day.

This outcome would prove particularly aggravating for a Napoli side plagued by injuries who have now failed to win in their previous three outings including an exciting clash with Inter just days ago.

"We suffered some misfortune... we pushed to generate openings but Parma organised their defence effectively" commented Cristian Stellini stepping in for the banned Antonio Conte.

"Several squad members have been sidelined for weeks and their return remains uncertain."

Napoli face another mid-table outfit Sassuolo at home this Saturday prior to a vital trip to FC Copenhagen that could determine their path to the Champions League knockout rounds.

Milan head to in-form Como on Thursday while the top three sides catch up on postponed fixtures from their involvement in the Italian Super Cup held in Saudi Arabia.

Bologna the Super Cup runners-up to Napoli travel to Verona on Thursday aiming to end a run of six games without a league victory.