A late goal from Gonzalo Higuain secured a 1-0 win for Napoli over Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarterfinal clash at the Stadio San Paolo.

Lazio created the first meaningful effort on goal in the 13th minute as Pepe Reina denied Brayan Perea's shot from the edge of the area.

Cristian Ledesma was next to have a shot at goal for Lazio in the 19th minute but the midfielder's effort went just over Reina's post.

Gokhan Inler squandered a great chance to give Napoli the lead just three minutes later, the midfielder managed to get on the end of Gonzalo Higuain's free kick but scuffed his effort from six yards out.

Jorginho came close in the 40th minute with a thunderous effort which drew a fine save from  Etrir Berisha.

Three minutes later and an unmarked Jorginho rattled the post from close range, following Jose Callejon's corner.

Callejon tried his luck from 20-yards out but the former Real Madrid man pulled his effort wide of the target.

Napoli were on the attack just two minutes later as Higuain was played in by Jorginho but a last ditch challenge from Diaz denied the striker a goal.

Jorginho tried his luck from the edge of the box in the 72nd minute but the midfielder's volley went well wide of the target.

Ledesma had had a shot at goal from distance in the 77th minute but the midfielder's shot went high and wide.

Gonzalo Higuain gave the Napoli the lead in the 82d minute after Jorginho's shot deflected in off the Argentine.

Lazio failed to create any opportunities in the closing stages, as Napoli were content with just passing the ball around.

Napoli will now face Roma in the semifinals of the Coppa Italia.