SSC Napoli had Edinson Cavani to thank after the Uruguayan striker's 85th-minute effort earned the Partenopei a 2-1 win at Parma FC.

Serie A leaders Juventus failed to beat Genoa CFC on Saturday, which meant that a win for Napoli would cut the gap at the top to three points – and Walter Mazzarri's second-placed side duly went ahead on 20 minutes as Marek Hamšík slid in to convert Blerim Dzemaili's faultless through ball.

A draw nonetheless seemed on the cards when Paolo Cannavaro diverted a cross past his own goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis on 74 minutes. Not for the first time this season, however, talisman Cavani saved the day for the visitors, rounding Parma custodian Antonio Mirante and tucking in his 18th goal in 19 league outings.

In fourth, FC Internazionale Milano missed the chance to close on S.S. Lazio as they could only draw 2-2 with Torino FC, Esteban Cambiasso earning the Nerazzurri a point after Riccardo Meggiorini had scored twice for Torino.

Meanwhile, Stephan El Shaarawy hit his 15th of the campaign as AC Milan prevailed 1-0 at Atalanta BC, who lost Davide Brivio to a 58th-minute red card. The victory lifted Milan ahead of ACF Fiorentina into fifth place after the Viola had Alberto Aquilani dismissed in their 2-1 loss at Calcio Catania.

Elsewhere, Mauro Icardi scored four as UC Sampdoria put six past Pescara Calcio without reply, Bologna FC and AS Roma drew 3-3, Udinese Calcio beat AC Siena 1-0 and Cagliari Calcio were held 1-1 at home by US Città di Palermo.