Napoli hit by Champions League setback

Ten-man Napoli missed the chance to climb into the Champions League places in Serie A on Saturday after a shock 3-2 home defeat to Parma.

Fabio Quagliarella side-footed home to put Napoli 1-0 up after three minutes and Walter Mazzarri’s men appeared to be cruising until the 63rd minute when Luca Antonelli slotted in from 10 yards after Julio Cruz had broken through the defence.

Six minutes later, Alessandro Lucarelli thundered in a header to put Francesco Guidolin’s side 2-1 in front before Slovakian Marek Hamsik levelled for Napoli on 78 minutes with a well taken finish.

Quagliarella was then sent off after receiving a second yellow card and Parma took full advantage.

With three minutes left, Parma launched a devastating counter-attack before Chilean Luis Jimenez poked home following a combative run from Hernan Crespo.

The result meant Parma jumped to eighth spot in Serie A, two places below Napoli with five games remaining.

Later Saturday, champions Inter Milan face Fiorentina where a win would stretch their lead at the top to four points.