Edinson Cavani popped up with a last-gasp winner to fire Napoli through at Steaua Bucharest's expense.
Cavani late show denies Steaua
Edinson Cavani popped up with a last-gasp winner to fire Napoli into the last 32 of the Europa League at Steaua Bucharest's expense.
The Romanian side began the clash two points ahead of their Italian rivals, needing only to avoid defeat to progress from Group K alongside leaders Liverpool.
Steaua's approach looked to have been successful as they frustrated Napoli at Stadio San Paolo and kept the score goalless.
However, there was a very late twist as Napoli's pressure was finally rewarded with a goal for Uruguayan forward Cavani in the 90th minute.
Napoli ended the game with 10 men after captain Paolo Cannavaro was handed his marching orders one minute from time for a second yellow card.
Strong start
The hosts enjoyed a strong start and Cavani sent out a warning in the 10th minute with his left-footed strike going over the bar.
At the other end, Romeo Surdu wasted a good chance with his effort from the heart of the area going off target.
In the 34th minute, Michele Pazienza forced Steaua goalkeeper Cristian Tatarusanu to stretch fully to clear his 20-yard strike.
On the stroke of half-time, Ricardo's header from Iasmin Latovlevici's cross was saved by Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.
Napoli controlled possession after the restart and could have gone in front in the 52nd minute.
Marek Hamsik fed Cavani inside the area and his close-range effort was kept out by Tatarusanu.
Last Italians standing
Five minutes later, Cavani's header from Christian Maggio's cross went over the bar.
Napoli continued to surge forward but struggled to get past Steaua's defensive wall and when they did, they did not find the target.
With 13 minutes remaining, Cavani nodded wide from a good position after a great cross from Zuniga.
In the 82nd minute, Cavani could not believe his bad luck when his right-footed effort from the edge of the area struck the post with Tatarusanu already beaten.
Napoli's efforts finally paid off just when it seemed they would exit the competition.
Cavani got his head to Hamsik's cross and beat Tatarusanu to bring the stadium to life and become the only Italian team to reach the next stage of the Europa League.
