Cavani was rested by Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri ahead of next week's Champions League clash with Chelsea but the home side still possessed plenty of attacking threat.

Marek Hamsik, Paolo Cannavaro, Christian Maggio, Walter Gargano and Ezequiel Lavezzi shared Napoli's goals, with Cagliari defender Davide Astori contributing an own goal.

Joaquin Larrivey scored a hat-trick in reply for Cagliari to enjoy some personal glory, but it could not prevent a humbling defeat.

In the night's other game, Inter Milan left it late to beat Chievo with two goals in the last three minutes earning them a 2-0 win at Stadio Bentegodi.

Chievo had frustrated Inter throughout, but just when it looked like they had done enough to earn a point, Walter Samuel headed Inter in front.

Diego Milito, who missed a penalty in the 14th minute, sealed the win in stoppage time to lift some of the pressure from Inter coach Claudio Ranieri.