Gonzalo Higuain claimed his 25th Serie A goal of the season as Napoli maintained their title push with a thrilling 1-1 draw at Fiorentina on Monday. Napoli were under the cosh after champions Juventus stretched their lead at the top of the table to four points with a 2-0 win over hapless Inter Milan on Sunday.
But despite pushing La Viola hard in a thrilling encounter at the Artemio Franchi, a share of the spoils against a Fiorentina side that looks worthy of a top three finish to qualify for next season's Champions League left Napoli with no complaints.
Napoli remained in second place, three points behind Juventus, with Roma and Fiorentina both five points further adrift in third and fourth places respectively.
Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri said it had been a "great game" but admitted to Mediaset Premium: "They had the chance to win the game in the final minutes of the first half, as we did in the final minutes of the second.
"It was a fair result, neither side deserved to lose. I'm really happy with my lads, and tip my hat to Fiorentina."
Fiorentina coach Paolo Sousa did not agree, but was buoyed by another performance that underlined Fiorentina's Champions League credentials.
"Unfortunately we just lacked a little bit of luck to take what was a deserved win," said the Portuguese coach.
"But we're right on track for the goals we have set ourselves. With a little bit of ambition and belief, we want to compete with the big sides.
"I'm proud of the lads, because they always want to improve. Tonight we deserved something more from this match."After just six minutes Sousa's men got in front when Marcos Alonso rose above the Napoli defence at a corner to send a glancing header past Pepe Reina.
But Alonso went from hero to zero in a matter of seconds.
From the subsequent kick-off that had all the hallmarks of a set-piece, Kalidou Koulibaly promptly fired a high punt into the Fiorentina area that forced 'keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu out of his net.
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