Leaders Napoli aim to take advantage of no European distractions

(Reuters) - Napoli's failed title defence and lowly finish last season has allowed manager Antonio Conte to focus on Serie A with no European football to navigate and a win at Empoli on Sunday will add to their credentials as Scudetto contenders.

Last term Napoli sacked two managers and finished a disappointing 10th but Conte takes his side to Empoli without needing to concern himself with resting players, unlike his main title contenders Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan.

Since Napoli's opening day 3-0 defeat at Hellas Verona, they are undefeated, winning five of six games, and that impressive run of form has allowed them take control at the top of the table, with a two-point lead over defending champions Inter.

While the Naples side may not have European football to worry about, the latest international break did bring its own problems, with midfielder Stanislav Lobotka and defender Mathias Olivera both injury doubts for Sunday.

The absence of Lobotka should give Billy Gilmour his first league start for Napoli since his arrival and he will likely line up alongside fellow Scotland international Scott McTominay.

The pair were deadline day signings and McTominay, who has played the full 90 minutes in their last three league games, has already impressed many, including Conte, and now Gilmour has his chance to stake a claim for a regular place.

Empoli were relegation strugglers last season but they have lost only one game in this league campaign, which came in their last outing at Lazio, and while the Tuscan side have struggled to score, their defence has been solid.

Roberto D'Aversa's side have only managed to six goals in their seven games but they have the second best defensive record in Serie A behind Juventus, conceding just four goals, and their three home games have all ended in scoreless draws.

Inter are away to AS Roma later on Sunday and could start that game five points adrift of Napoli. Simone Inzaghi will have one eye on his side's midweek Champions League game against Young Boys in Switzerland.

Nicolo Barella missed Inter's last two matches with a hamstring injury and, while the midfielder is now available, Inzaghi may decide not to risk him from the start in Rome.

Juventus lost ground with a 1-1 draw at home to Cagliari last time out leaving them three points off the pace in third. They host Lazio on Saturday, with the sides level on 13 points, before Tuesday's Champions League tie at home to VfB Stuttgart.

Juve have been hit by injuries, with centre-back Gleison Bremer a long-term absentee and, along with midfielder Teun Koopmeiners and winger Nicolas Gonzalez, Weston McKennie and Nicolo Fagioli are also now doubtful for the Lazio game.

Milan will aim to bounce back from defeat at Fiorentina, which left them sixth in the standings, five adrift of the leaders, and they host in-form Udinese on Saturday, before welcoming Club Brugge in the Champions League on Tuesday.