nfluential Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu played a key role for Udinese as they defeated Napoli 3-1 to improve their chances of retaining their top-flight status.

Badu, 25, won a penalty which was converted by Portugal international Bruno Fernandes in the 14th minute.

The Black Stars third-in-command held down his role in midfield and played a crucial role for the Little Zebras as French midfielder Cyril Thereau scored in 57 minutes to add to a first-half brace from Bruno Fernandes.

Badu's influence was key as he overshadowed the Napoli midfield with his power-play and box-to-box midfield display.

Udinese needed the crucial win to enhance their chances of avoiding relegation and they fought for the win.

Badu captained Ghana in the absence of Andre Ayew and substantive skipper Asamoah Gyan in the 2017 AFCON qualifying double-header against Mozambique last month.