Napoli are in complete control of their Serie A clash with Livorno this afternoon, taking a 2-0 lead thanks to early strikes from Goran Pandev and Gokhan Inler.

With Gonzalo Higuain sidelined, Napoli coach Rafael Benitez started Pandev in attack, and the forward took just three minutes to reward his faith.

Pandev angled home after fine approach play from Dries Mertens, who drove into the final third before picking out the striker with a precise pass.

Livorno were compact and organised for much of the first period but fell further behind on 26 minutes.

Inler was the player who extended Napoli's advantage with a strike from distance but Livorno goalkeeper Francesco Bardi was largely responsible, parrying a soft shot into his own net.

The visitors pressed through Innocent Emeghara and Duncan before the interval, but were unable to reduce the deficit.