Maxi Lopez scored a second-half winner as Napoli fell to a shock 1-0 defeat in their Serie A clash with Chievo this afternoon.

The home side dominated the opening exchanges and Gonzalo Higuain came close with a headed effort that was kept out by Francesco Bardi.

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They threatened again moments later when Marek Hamsik drove into the box and fired in a low shot that was saved by the Chievo keeper.

Rafael Benitez's side were in control and Lorenzo Insigne threatened with an effort from outside the box which went just wide of the post.

Napoli were awarded a penalty in the 27th minute when Higuain was brought down by Bostjan Cesar inside the box, but the Argentine saw his spot kick saved.

Just past the half-hour mark, Chievo were inches away from finding the net as Lopez saw an attempt hit the bar, and he backheeled the rebound wide.

Insigne then saw a powerful strike saved from a tight angle as the two sides went into the break level.

At the start of the second half, Juan Zuniga saw his swerving effort pushed behind as Chievo continued to frustrate their opponents.

Against the run of play, the visitors went ahead in the 49th minute when Lopez latched onto Mariano Izco's pass before drilling an effort past Rafael Cabral.

Napoli looked for a way back into the game and Hamsik was denied again by Bardi, who tipped his low shot round the post.

The hosts continued to press but they could not find a way through as Chievo held on to claim all three points at the Stadio San Paolo.