Napoli beat Genoa thanks to Pandev's brace

Goran Pandev scored a brace to give Napoli a 2-0 win against Genoa in Italian Serie A action.

Pandev scored the first goal in the 14th minute Saturday, and 11 minutes later scored the second to wrap up the win which ensured Rafael Benitez's side were immediately on track to bounce back from their shock 1-1 midweek draw with newly-promoted Sassuolo, reports Xinhua.

"I am consistent rather than courageous. I have experience and have been in Europe many times, so I know squad rotation is necessary to make everyone in the side stronger. The team won with character," said Benitez.

"It' s no secret that Pandev prefers playing in the centre. He was there and scored, so he has no excuse," he added.

His Genoa counterpart Fabio Liverani admitted his side "gifted" Napoli two goals.

"We gifted them two goals. It becomes tough for anyone if you gift Napoli a two-goal advantage that early," he said.

"However, the responsibility is mine and I take that. In the second half we tried to play in a more attacking way. We signed wingers, so we'll play with wingers," he said.