Inter Milan's lead in the Italian league was trimmed to seven points yesterday after Jose Mourinho's side lost 1-0 at Napoli and city rivals AC Milan beat Palermo 3-0.

Ezequiel Lavezzi (R) of Napoli and Walter Samuel of Inter in action during the Serie A match between Napoli and Inter at the Stadio San Paolo on April 26, 2009 in Napoli, Italy.

Napoli's Marcelo Zalayeta scored the only goal of a high-tempo, but uninspiring match in which both sides failed to create many chances.

Earlier Kaka converted two penalties to lead Milan to victory over Palermo, while Juventus was held to a 2-2 draw by last-place Reggina.

Reigning champion Inter remains top of Serie A with 74 points, while AC Milan is second with 67, Juventus has 65 and Fiorentina 58.

"It was a victory we had to work for and weren't expected to get," Zalayeta said. "We've failed to win matches that were easier than that this season."

Inter lacked imagination and was outmuscled by a more determined Napoli side, who won its first match since January and the first since ex-Italy coach Roberto Donadoni took over in February.

"Obviously it is emotional to win, especially against a team like Inter, who is top of the table," Donadoni said. "I think our defense did great, especially with rebounds and the second ball into the box."

Striker Ezequiel Lazezzi was the main danger for Napoli and his direct running was a constant problem for Inter's defense, though it wasn't until Zalayeta came on for the ineffectual German Denis, that Napoli made the breakthrough.

Lavezzi ran at the defense before rolling the ball across the face of the penalty area for his strike partner Zalayeta to curl past Julio Cesar.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic appeared tired in Inter's attack while the team's only tactic was to hit the ball long and try to use the pace of Mario Balotelli or the height of Julio Cruz.

"It seemed to me to be a typical 0-0 match. In the first half Inter had most of the ball, but we didn't threaten," Mourinho said. "In the second half it was a different game and without threatening we lost control of the game.

"We are seven points ahead and need three wins from five matches. We have to look at ourselves and win the nine points we need to be champions."