Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Napoli celebrates his goal during the match against Atalanta at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Serie A on Saturday March 11, 2023. (Alessandro Garofalo/LaPresse via AP)

MILAN (AP) — Serie A leaders Napoli extended their lead at the top of the standings by beating Atalanta 2-0 on Saturday.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Amir Rrahmani scored in the second half for Napoli, who are 18 points clear of second-placed Inter Milan.

Lazio, who will next face Bologna, could overtake Inter in the standings.

With its fifth defeat in seven games, Atalanta’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League have diminished. Atalanta remain sixth, five points behind fourth-placed Roma before Giallorossi face Sassuolo on Sunday.

Napoli are looking to bounce back from losing to Lazio last weekend, their second league defeat.

Napoli dominated and almost opened the scoring in spectacular fashion early in the second half, but Victor Osimhen’s scissors fell straight into the hands of goalkeeper Juan Musso.

But Kvaratskhelia opened the scoring impressively after an hour, receiving a pass from Osimhen before dribbling into the box through the defence.

Rrahmani sealed the win in the 77th minute with a header from a corner.

WAYS TO WIN

Udinese returned to victory by beating Empoli 1-0.

Rodrigo Becão headed the ball in the second half as Udinese secured their first victory since January.

Udinese are level with Bologna and Juventus, seven points behind Atalanta. Empoli remain 10 points above the relegation zone.

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