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The midfielder, who last scored in the Italian top flight in August 2022, netted the only goal of the game after just seven minutes at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where Antonio Conte's side moved back within six points of leader Inter Milan.

Lobotka broke the deadlock in sublime fashion, cushioning an 18-yard volley into the roof of the net after Sassuolo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric could only parry Eljif Elmas's initial volley.

The visitors sought a response. Armand Lauriente's low drive forced a smart save from Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who also thwarted Aster Vrancx later in the first half.

Milinkovic-Savic came to the rescue again four minutes into the second half, pushing away Luca Lipani's low drive at full-stretch.

At the other end, Scott McTominay's ambitious long-range attempt drifted marginally wide, while Pasquale Mazzocchi's acrobatic effort was pushed away, but the single goal was enough to secure Napoli the three points.

"We're not getting the results we want, but the season is still long," Napoli defender Juan Jesus said after the win.

"Today it was important to bring home these three points."

The win came at a cost for injury-hit Napoli as defender Amir Rrahmani and forward Matteo Politano both picked up knocks, with coach Antonio Conte already missing Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Andre Anguissa and David Neres.

"It's a shame this season has had so many injuries, but we keep working," Jesus added.

"We're in a good position in the table, and we'll keep going with the players we have."