The China Mail - Napoli's stalemate with Parma opens door for Serie A leaders Inter

Reigning champions Napoli created little beyond a Scott McTominay goal which was disallowed for Pasquale Mazzocchi being offside earlier in the move.

A scrappy match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona ended with Napoli in third place and three points behind Inter.

But Inter can move six clear of both Napoli and second-placed AC Milan with a home win over struggling Lecce later on Wednesday.

That would be hugely frustrating for injury-hit Napoli who have drawn their last three matches, including a thrilling contest with Inter at the weekend.

"We were a bit unlucky... we tried to create chances but Parma defended well," said Cristian Stellini in place of suspended Antonio Conte.

"Some of our players have been out for a long time and we don't know when they'll be back."

On Saturday Napoli host another also-ran in Sassuolo before travelling to FC Copenhagen for a match will be key to their prospects of reaching the Champions League play-offs.

Milan make the short trip to face high-flying Como on Thursday as the division's leading trio play games in hand accrued by their participation in the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Bologna, who lost the Super Cup final to Napoli, are at Verona on Thursday in search of a first league win in seven matches.

X.So--ThChM