Milan: Massimiliano Allegri could not hide his delight as Juventus tripped up Serie A leaders Napoli to deliver a psychological blow to their title challengers at their San Paolo Stadium.

In an key early clash in the battle for the Scudetto defending six-time champions Juventus move second just one point behind Napoli, who suffered their first defeat in 15 games this season.

Inter Milan -- now the only unbeaten team -- can claim the championship lead on Sunday when they host Chievo as Roma kept well within the title chase with a 3-1 win over 10-man SPAL on Friday to sit fourth, just four points behind Napoli with a game in hand.

“We needed a real Juventus performance tonight and that’s what we produced,” said Allegri after ex-Napoli man Gonzalo Higuain -- playing just days after surgery on a broken hand -- scored the only goal after 12 minutes.

“We had to dig in because we were up against a great side but we didn’t give them an inch,” continued the Juventus coach.

“Perhaps we’ve focused more on trying to play nice football than being solid up till now, but the big games are won in defence, and so we proved tonight.”

Allegri insisted however that Napoli -- looking to end their 28-year wait for the Serie A title -- remain the team to beat.

Agence France-Presse