Napoli beat Novara to keep Champions League hopes alive

Rome, April 22 (IANS) Italian Serie A club, Napoli remained in contention for a place in next season's Champions League after they beat relegation-threatened Novara 2-0 at home.

Edinson Cavani and Paolo Cannavaro scored the goals in the lopsided Serie A game Saturday where there was no suspense at all.

The chances for Novara, who now lie 11 points from safety with only five games remaining, are slim. Walter Mazzarri's side, meanwhile, are just three points behind the third-placed Lazio.

Catania boosted their hopes of clinching Europa League football next season with an impressive 2-0 victory over Atalanta, Xinhua reported.

Alejandro Gomez set the hosts on their way with the opening goal after half an hour and Felipe Seymour made sure of the points five minutes from time.

The win marked a return to winning ways for Vincenzo Montella's side, who had lost some steam in recent weeks after a fine campaign, and lifted them to within four points of fifth-placed Roma.

Parma took a stride away from the Serie A relegation zone thanks to a 3-0 win over Cagliari, who sit just four points above the bottom three with five games remaining. Sebastian Giovinco was the orchestrator of Parma's win with the opening goal in the 24th minute and a hand in all of Parma's attacks.

Udinese missed the chance to pile the pressure on third-placed Lazio as they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Chievo.