Napoli opened a 16-point lead at the top of Serie A standings as they overcame the league’s basement side Cremonese at a jubilant Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday night.Goals from birthday boy Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Nigerian hitman Victor Osimhen scored in each half, and Elif Elmas scored another goal late on to ensure the points for the Neapolitans and get Luciano Spalletti’s side one step closer to the long-awaited Scudetto.Kvaradona, who turned 22 on the day, danced around the pitch as if he was entertaining guests at his birthday party – and he made sure everyone went home with a smile slapped on their face. The Georgia international proved once again that he was the missing piece of the Parthenopeans’ jigsaw. His movement, trickery, goal contributions and the fear and panic he injected into the opposition made the difference in the opposing half.In only his 18th Serie A appearance, in his first season in Italy, Khvicha has already got nine goals and as many assists. It’s extraordinary to see a player arrive to a new championship and clock up a goal contribution per match on average. He cut in from the left and banged in the opening goal to make it a very happy birthday indeed.Osimhen poked one in from point-blank range to double the lead in the second half, and Elmas wrapped up the points with a crisp finish ten minutes from time.It’s party time in Naples – and not just because it’s Khvicha’s birthday!SERIE A – Matchday 22FridayMilan – Torino 1-0 (0-0)/Giroud 62/SaturdayEmpoli – Spezia 2-2 (0-2)/Cambiaghi 71, Vignato 90+4 – Verde 25 pen, 31/Lecce – Roma 1-1 (1-1)/Ibanez 7 og – Dybala 17 pen/Lazio – Atalanta 0-2 (0-1)/Zappacosta 23, Hojlund 65/SundayUdinese – Sassuolo 2-2 (2-2)/Udogie 1, Bijol 28 – Henrique 6, Perez 45+2/Bologna – Monza 0-1 (0-1)/Donati 25/Juventus – Fiorentina 1-0 (1-0)/Rabiot 34/Napoli – Cremonese 3-0 (1-0)/Kvaratskhelia 22, Osimhen 65, Elmas 79/Monday20.30: (1.90) Verona (3.60) Salernitana (4.50)22.45: (8.50) Sampdoria (4.50) Inter (1.45)***odds are subject to change
