Napoli top of Serie A

Rafael Benitez's side were made to work hard for the points against a resilient Nerazzurri side, whose hopes of holding out evaporated once Luca Cigarini was sent off soon after Higuain had sent the home fans into delirium.

Jose Callejon wrapped up victory late on to extend Napoli's 100 per cent start to the season.

Inter Milan and Juventus shared the spoils from the first Derby d'Italia of the new Serie A season as Arturo Vidal salvaged a 1-1 draw for the reigning champions.

Both clubs had claimed maximum points from their opening two matches, but Inter have looked the more confident side under new boss Walter Mazzarri, who arrived from runners-up Napoli.

Indeed it was the home side who broke the deadlock midway through the second half at San Siro as substitute Mauro Icardi scored his first goal in Nerazzurri colours, but Chilean midfielder Vidal - already a two-time Scudetto winner with Juve - responded with his 20th league goal for the Turin giants.