Kvaratskhelia penalty earns sluggish Napoli victory at Empoli

EMPOLI, Italy, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's penalty was the difference between the sides as Napoli laboured to a 1-0 win at Empoli on Sunday to extend their lead at the top of the Serie A standings. Kvaratskhelia tucked away the spot-kick in the 63rd minute, Napoli's only shot on target over the 90 minutes and the first goal Empoli have conceded at home in the league this season. Empoli were left to rue missed chances in the first half when they were by far the beter side, and Antonio Conte's Napoli came away with a scarcely deserved three points. Napoli moved on to 19 points, three ahead of Juventus in second with Inter Milan third on 14 before they play AS Roma later on Sunday. Empoli are 11th with 10 points.