ANKARA 

Napoli are getting closer to their long-awaited Italian Serie A title with each week as they beat Empoli 2-0 in a Saturday away match to go 18 points clear of second-place Inter Milan.

Defender Ardian Ismajli scored an own goal in minute 17 as Napoli took the lead.

Nigerian star Victor Osimhen converted a close-range finish in the 28th minute to double the gap at Empoli. It was Osimhen's 19th league goal this season.

Visitors Napoli were down to 10 men as Mario Rui was sent off for kicking Francesco Caputo.

Napoli increased their points to 65 in 24 matches and is 18 points ahead of Inter, who will visit Bologna on Sunday.

The Naples club last won the Italian league in 1990.