Napoli Lose 2-0 to Lazio, 12 Points Behind Inter

Napoli's fading hopes of retaining the Serie A title suffered a decisive blow with a 2-0 home defeat to Lazio on Saturday, leaving the defending champions 12 points behind leaders Inter Milan with five matches remaining. The loss at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona marked Napoli's first league defeat on home soil this season and drew jeers from frustrated supporters as the team failed to register a single shot on target.

Lazio struck early, taking the lead in the sixth minute when Matteo Cancellieri fired home from close range after Kenneth Taylor's cutback from the left byline. The visitors, managed by former Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri, dominated proceedings and nearly doubled their advantage in the 31st minute. Stanislav Lobotka fouled Tijjani Noslin in the penalty area, but Lazio's Mattia Zaccagni saw his spot kick saved by goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who also denied the rebound effort from off-balance. Milinkovic-Savic made further stops against Cancellieri and Nuno Tavares before halftime, keeping Napoli in contention despite their sluggish start.

The second half offered little respite for the hosts. After a scrappy opening period, Lazio extended their lead in the 57th...