Gonzalo Higuain scored in the third minute of added time to fire Napoli to a dramatic Coppa Italia quarter-final victory over Inter Milan this evening.

The game looked set to be heading for a goalless draw, but the Argentina international popped up with his ninth goal in as many games to ensure that the holders keep their hopes of retaining the cup alive.

The hosts saw a good chance to make the breakthrough come and go inside the opening 10 minutes when Higuain headed Marek Hamsik's cross over the bar.

Mauro Icardi tried his luck from the edge of the box with an effort which came back off the post shortly after as Inter themselves looked to break the deadlock.

It was Rafael Benitez's charges who created the best opportunities of the first 45 minutes, though, coming close once more through Higuain's shot which Juan Carrizo did well to keep out.

Clear-cut chances proved to be few and far between in the second half, with Walter Gargano and George Puscas squandering their openings, and that set up some late drama at the Stadio San Paolo.

Faouzi Ghoulam played Higuain in on goal with just seconds remaining, and the forward made no mistake despite the seemingly tight angle to fire the Partenopei into the next round.

Inter, who find themselves well off the pace in Serie A, must now focus on turning around their faltering league form or winning the Europa League if they are to play European football next season.