Napoli's European hopes dimmed by 1-0 loss to Empoli

Napoli's hopes of playing European football next season suffered a setback as they endured a frustrating 1-0 defeat at lowly Empoli that left them eighth in Serie A on Saturday. Empoli, who are battling relegation, opened the scoring after four minutes when striker Alberto Cerri headed in a close-range cross for what proved to be the winner. Serie A is set to secure at least five spots in an expanded Champions League competition next season but Napoli have taken only five points from their last five league matches.