Napoli beats Genoa 2-1 with controversial penalty in Serie A
ROME (AP) - Napoli moved back into third place in Serie A courtesy of a controversial penalty in a 2-1 win over visiting Genoa on Monday.
In the 73rd minute at the San Paolo stadium, the referee ruled that Gonzalo Higuain was fouled following a free kick despite what appeared to be minimal contact. After Genoa protested, Higuain converted the ensuing spot kick for his 12th goal this season.
Higuain had also scored the opener seven minutes in by heading in a rebound. Iago Falque equalized in the 56th with a shot from the edge of the area.
Napoli moved two points ahead of Lazio and Sampdoria in the race for the final Champions League spot.
Genoa remained seventh.
Earlier, Udinese won 2-1 at Empoli to move level with Palermo in eighth.
Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain celebrates with teammate Marek HamÅ¡Ãk after scoring during a Serie A soccer match between Napoli and Genoa, at the San Paolo stadium in Naples, Italy, Monday, Jan. 26, 2015. (AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta)
The Associated Press
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