Napoli have boosted their bid for Champions League qualification by coming from behind to beat Sampdoria 4-2 at the Stadio San Paolo.

It was a bright start from Rafael Benitez's side, and they threatened in the early stages when Gonzalo Higuain tested Emiliano Viviano with a powerful strike.

© Getty Images

However, the deadlock was broken by Sampdoria in the 12th minute thanks to a mistake from Raul Albiol, who could only put the ball into his own net while attempting to clear Eder's cross.

The visitors failed to protect their advantage, though, and Viviano was guilty of gifting an equaliser to Napoli by allowing Manolo Gabbiadini's deflected effort to roll through his legs.

Napoli quickly took control after getting back on level terms, and they were ahead before the break as Higuain collected a clever pass from Gabbiadini and slotted past a helpless Viviano.

© Getty Images

Lorenzo Insigne handed his side a two-goal advantage three minutes into the second half when he sprinted with the ball from midfield before curling home a stunning effort from the edge of the box.

The Sampdoria challenge remained strong after Napoli's third goal, but the hosts limited the chances on offer with an improved defensive display after the break.

It could have been a more emphatic win had David Lopez not fired straight at Viviano or if Higuain had found the bottom corner with a curling effort.

Higuain would be given the chance to wrap up the win from the penalty spot in the closing stages after Marek Hamsik was bundled over in the box by Lorenzo De Silvestri, and the Argentine made no mistake from 12 yards to score his second of the game.

Sampdoria finished strongly to reduce the deficit when Luis Muriel picked out the top corner from outside the box, but Napoli still managed to move within two points of third-placed Roma.