Misfiring Cavani draws another blank as Napoli lose ground

Napoli's third draw in succession meant they were left six points behind Juventus, who easily beat Siena 3-0 yesterday.

Walter Mazzarri's side have mustered only one goal in those three games, a run which has coincided with a drought for Uruguay forward Cavani who had averaged over a goal a game in all competitions until the end of January.

Cavani remains stuck on 18 goals.

Second-placed Napoli have 52 points from 26 games and host Juventus on Friday evening in what could be their last chance to keep the title race alive.

Cavani missed an early chance when he just failed to connect with Giandomenico Mesto's cross at the near post while Marek Hamsik wasted the best first-half opening when he headed straight at goalkeeper Daniele Padelli.

The best second-half chance fell to Cavani but he poked the ball wide from six metres under pressure after Pablo Armero had broken down the left.