Gonzalo Higuain came back to haunt Napoli as Juventus handed the Serie A leaders their first defeat of the season.

The former Napoli striker, who joined Juve in 2016 for 90million euros and is a far from popular figure in Naples, scored the only goal in a 1-0 away win.

Higuain struck after just 12 minutes, collecting a fine pass from Paulo Dybala before slotting past goalkeeper Pepe Reina, and celebrated by putting his right hand to his ear.

Juventus had Gianluigi Buffon to thank for keeping their lead intact at half-time, the veteran goalkeeper saving from Lorenzo Insigne twice, while Blaise Matuidi was denied a second for Juve after the break by a stunning Reina stop.

Juve held on for a victory that moves them up to second above Inter Milan and just a point behind Napoli, who suffered their first league defeat since February.

Edin Dzeko ended his goal drought with the opener as Roma beat 10-man SPAL 3-1.

SPAL had a numerical disadvantage for 80 minutes as Felipe was sent off early on following a video review after pulling back Dzeko on the edge of the penalty area as the Roma striker bore down on goal.

Rome quickly capitalised as Stephan El Shaarawy floated a ball behind the SPAL defence for Dzeko, who took a touch before scuffing a shot in off the far right post for his first goal in nine games.

Kevin Strootman made it 2-0 from close range after being played in by El Shaarawy's back-heel in the 32nd minute and Lorenzo Pellegrini headed in his first Roma goal eight minutes after the break.

Federico Viviani pulled one back for the visitors two minutes later, tucking in the rebound after his retaken spot-kick - an attempted Panenka - was pushed on to the crossbar by Alisson.