Lukaku fires Inter Milan closer to Serie A summit with Napoli win

Just one point and one place separated the two sides before kick off, and the game was decided when David Ospina conceded a spot kick midway through the second half, which Lukaku converted.

The two captains made an impact in contrasting fashions, as Napoli skipper Lorenzo Insigne was sent off for dissent following the penalty award and Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic made some decisive interventions to keep his side in front.

Yet Napoli pushed hard for an equaliser with 10 men and Andrea Petagna was denied a late leveller when his shot rattled the post in stoppage time.

The victory leaves Inter in second place, one point behind leaders Milan, while Napoli are fourth with 23 points.