A goal from Gonzalo Higuain has given Napoli a 1-0 lead at the halfway stage of their Serie A meeting with Inter Milan at the Stadio San Paolo this evening.

The Argentine needed just two minutes to give the hosts an early lead, when he seized upon a loose ball inside the box, before rifling a powerful drive into the top corner.

Marek Hamsik was next to threaten for the home side, but his strike from the edge of the box was comfortably gathered by Samir Handanovic.

As the half progressed, Inter started to pose more of a threat and Fredy Guarin had his side's first attempt with a powerful strike that sailed inches wide of the post.

Moments later it was Mauro Icardi who had a glimpse of goal after connecting with Danilo D'Ambrosio's cross, but he could only direct his header off target.

The Nerazzurri came close again with five minutes left of the first half as Ivan Perisic collected a pass inside the box, before turning his strike narrowly wide.

However, Inter's hopes of getting back into the match took a blow a minute before the break as Yuto Nagatomo's foul on Allan saw the Japan international sent off for a second bookable offence.