Inter Milan’s Senegalese winger Keita Balde scored the only goal in a win over Empoli days after the club were embroiled in a racism controversy.

Inter Milan are third two points behind Napoli.

Seven-time reigning champions Juventus also have a record number of points before the three-week winter break with 53 from 19 games.

In Tuscany, Inter Milan earned back-to-back wins with Balde scoring on 72 minutes to move closer to Napoli, who they beat by the same scoreline amid controversy three days ago.

Luciano Spalletti’s side were playing without their fans after racist abuse aimed at Napoli’s Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly in Milan.

“It was fundamental that we win this match,” said Spalletti.

Roma profitted from Sampdoria’s defeat to move up to fifth thanks to second half goals for Bryan Cristante (58) and Cengiz Under (75) in a 2-0 win over promoted Parma.

Lazio were held 1-1 by Torino in the Stadio Olimpico, as Atalanta beat Sassuolo 6-2 with Slovenian Josip Ilicic scoring a second-half hat-trick.

The battle for European football is tight with just six points between Lazio in fourth and Fiorentina in tenth position.

Meanwhile, bottom club Chievo achieved their first top flight success with a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Frosinone.