Gonzalo Higuain shoots to score Napoli’s opener yesterday.

A Gonzalo Higuain double inspired Napoli to a hard-fought 4-2 win over Lazio at the Olympic Stadium last night to reignite their title challenge.

Earlier, Fiorentina came from behind to win a seven-goal thriller against Verona 4-3 at the Artemio Franchi stadium.

Rafa Benitez’s Napoli were desperate to get back to winning ways after suffering three successive defeats in all competitions.

Starting the day nine points adrift of leaders Juventus, the Partenopei had no option but to take all points to put themselves back in contention.

Higuain again underlined his importance to Napoli’s cause when he put his team ahead after 24 minutes.

The Argentine striker held off the challenge of Lazio defender Michael Ciani to hit a low shot past Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.

But Napoli’s joy only lasted 60 seconds as the home side soon drew level.

Antonio Candreva sent a dipping cross into the area and Napoli defender Valon Behrami directed the ball into his own net in an attempt to clear the danger.

Napoli came out more determined after the break and they duly regained their lead on 52 minutes.

Higuain lobbed the ball into the area where Christian Maggio nodded into the path of Goran Pandev and the Macedonia forward fired the ball into the net.

Lazio tried to put themselves back in the match but it was Napoli who grabbed a third goal on 72 minutes.

Higuain again took centre stage when he burst through and beat Marchetti with a firm drive.

Lazio pulled a goal back three minutes from time when substitute Keita Balde raced past three Napoli defenders before hitting a firm drive past Pepe Reina.

But it was the visitors who had the final say when Jose Callejon added a fourth goal as Napoli strengthened their grip on third place on 31 points, six points adrift of leaders Juventus and three behind Roma.

In the early kick-off, Borja Valero put Fiorentina ahead when he picked his spot inside the near post from 25 yards to beat Verona goalkeeper Rafael.

The visitors equalised soon later when Romulo drove into the area and slotted the ball between Fiorentina goalkeeper Norberto Neto’s legs.

Verona went in front in the 13th minute when Iturbe’s left-footed shot from 30 yards beat Neto.

The visitors’ joy was shortlived as seconds later Valero drilled a shot past Rafael to level matters.

Fiorentina continued to press forward and were rewarded before the break when Vargas’ bullet strike from 20 yards beat Rafael.

The home side did not sit on their lead but instead looked for a fourth early and got it in the 57th minute.

The referee pointed to the spot after Jankovic used his hand to clear Tomovic’s attempt on goal.

Rossi stepped up to take the spot-kick and he struck the ball to the far post and out of Rafael’s reach.

Verona never gave up hope and despite being a man down, they cut the deficit when Jorginho placed the ball into the net.

Summaries

Fiorentina 4
Valero 5,14; Vargas 43; Rossi 54 pen;
Verona 3
Romulo 6; Iturbe 13; Jorginho 72;

Red card: Jankovic (V) 53

Lazio 2
Behrami 25 og; Keita 87;
Napoli 4
Higuain 23, 72; Pandev 50; Callejon 90;