Serie A returns after Morosini loss

After losing close friend, Antonio Di Natale looks to the heavens following frustrating draw with Chievo [GALLO/GETTY]

Udinese missed the chance to put pressure on third-placed Lazio on Saturday after a goalless draw with Chievo in Verona left them two points off the Champions League playoff place.

The match was Udinese’s first since former player Piermario Morosini’s death last weekend but despite a moving pre-match tribute, including a minute’s applause and the players wearing T-shirts bearing his face, they could not honour him with a win.

Most of the action took place at the end of the first half, Chievo’s Alberto Paloschi missing a good chance after smart
attacking play on 36 minutes before team mate Rinaldo Cruzado made Samir Handanovic pull off a good save with a low curling shot.

Just before the break the Udinese goalkeeper brought down Cyril Thereau as he raced through on goal, only to save the same player’s subsequent penalty.

Parma made light work of Cagliari in the other early kick off, winning 3-0 to leave the Sardinians nervously looking over
their shoulders at the drop zone.

A stunning Sebastian Giovinco freekick on 23 minutes was followed up by two second-half penalties from Sergio Floccari and Stefano Okaka.

In the late kick-offs, Napoli revived their chances of returning to the Champions League with a 2-0 win over Novara.

Edinson Cavani and Paolo Cannavaro scored first-half goals for Napoli, while Udinese goalkeeper Samir Handanovic saved a penalty in a 0-0 draw at Chievo Verona.

Handanovic dove to his right and blocked Cyril Thereau’s spot kick in the 43rd minute, and Chievo was also unlucky when Michael Bradley hit the post with a long shot four minutes in.

Also, Catania beat Atalanta 2-0 with goals from Alejandro Gomez and Felipe Seymour, moving the Sicilian club within two points of Inter Milan.

Leaders Juventus host Roma on Sunday.