Napoli came from behind to beat Marseille and keep their quest to reach the Champions League knockout stage on course.

The hosts had made the more enterprising start when Jose Callejon's through-pass found Dries Mertens, but the Belgian winger dragged his shot wide of Steve Mandanda's goal.

However, the San Paolo was stunned when Marseille took the lead after 10 minutes thanks to Florian Thauvin's pinpoint corner, which was met by an unstoppable Andre Ayew header.

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Napoli managed to find an equaliser midway through the first half through Gokan Inler's volley from the edge of the box, which was too good for Mandanda.

The Italian side then managed to edge in front moments later when Goran Pandev's header across the penalty area fell into the path of Gonzalo Higuain, and the Argentine striker unleashed a fierce shot to score.

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Marseille tried to get back on terms and almost succeeded when Jordan Ayew ran from deep before his effort from the edge of the area was kept out by Pepe Reina.

The visitors continued to pose a threat in attack, but were unable to forge a lead.

They were made to pay when Higuain bagged his second goal with 15 minutes remaining when he latched on to Mertens's cross at the far post to slide the ball home.

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Lorenzo Insigne nearly added a fourth goal when his curling shot came back off the post, but Rafael Benitez's men hung on to earn three vital points in a tight group.

Napoli are level with Arsenal at the top with nine points, while Marseille remain without a point at the foot of the table.