Napoli beat Albanian side Vllaznia Shkoder 3-0 in their UEFA Cup preliminary first leg and Inacio Pià was the star while German Denis also netted.

Edy Reja's men were strong favourites going into this tie, but they were ready for a heated occasion in Albania.

Argentine ace German Denis partnered Pià up front, while there was a start for youngster Luigi Vitale in the midfield.

Manuele Blasi was played in a holding role in a 3-5-2 formation.

The early stages were broken up by regular infringements and some heavy challenges flew in from both sides.

Gennaro Iezzo made a mistake when coming to collect a corner in the 20th minute, but Dritan Smajlai couldn't take advantage.

And the Albanians were kicking themselves when Napoli went ahead on 28 minutes.

Christian Maggio worked wonders down the right flank and his deflected cross fell to Pià who smashed it home for 1-0.

The Brazilian had a chance to double the lead a minute later, but he mistimed his effort.

The hosts had no answer to Maggio and his ball was met by Pià once again, but a cheeky backheel went wide.

Napoli were totally in control after a commanding 45 minutes.

And they started the second period in the best possible fashion by extending their lead.

The insatiable Pià was sharp to read Admir Teli's slip-up from a long ball and he robbed the hapless stopper and slotted past the onrushing 'keeper.

The crowd fell silent and Leandro Rinaudo went close with a header that forced a save from Oltion Bishani.

Iezzo did well to come out and deny midfielder Suad Lici and he had to dive to save from Sukai who found space in the box.

And Vllaznia were making the Vesuviani sweat as Iezzo made a magnificent stop from a Sukai strike, turning it away for a corner.

But just as it seemed the Albanians were getting back into the game, Napoli struck again.

Roberto De Zerbi, who had just come on for goal hero Pià, produced the perfect ball for Denis to push between two defenders and burst the net.

Ex-Catania man De Zerbi was stealing the show in the dying minutes and he let fly with an effort that skimmed the post.

Napoli were in control for the vast majority of the game and Reja can be proud of his men who have one foot in the UEFA Cup proper.

Vllaznia 0-3 Napoli
Scorer: Pià 28, 46, Denis 75
Vllaznia: Bishani; Beqiri, Bashic, Teli, Belisha (Lici 46); Smajlai (Bohadu 63), Nalbani, Osja (Hoti 83), Lika; Sukai, Kali
Napoli: Iezzo; Cannavaro, Rinaudo, Contini; Maggio, Pazienza, Blasi, Hamsik (Montervino 80), Vitale; Pià (De Zerbi 69), Denis

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