Two goals from Gonzalo Higuain allowed Napoli to regain third spot in Serie A, although their 2-1 win over Genoa was not without its share of controversy.

The Argentine’s opener could have been ruled out for offside.

On seven minutes, Jose Callejon’s low shot was saved by Mattia Perin, but the ball looped up off the Genoa goalkeeper’s right arm to Higuain, who tucked it in.

He checked the linesman’s flag was down before reeling away in celebration, although he could have had no complaints had the flag in fact been raised.

Iago Falque brought Genoa level with a low shot from the edge of the area in the 56th minute.

Callejon rattled the crossbar as Napoli tried to regain the lead, which was gifted to them 15 minutes from time when the referee pointed to the spot, for a push in the back of Higuain from Juraj Kucka.

Higuain stepped up to score his and Napoli’s second of the night, taking them up to third and back in the race for a place in the Champions League next season.

Udinese picked up their first win in six attempts to climb above the two Milan teams into eighth place with a 2-1 win over Empoli.

Antonio Di Natale put Udinese in front after 19 minutes, but Riccardo Saponara levelled from the spot.

Silvan Widmer earned Udinese the points with what appeared to be a cross before Panagiotis Kone was given his marching orders, but the guests held on to all three points.

Results

Empoli 1
Saponara 37 pen.;
Udinese 2
Di Natale 19; Widmer 60;

HT: 1-1. Att: 9,500.
Red card: Kone (U) 74.

Napoli 2
Higuain 7, 75 pen.;
Genoa 1
Falque 56;

HT: 0-0. Att: 33,000.