Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain claimed he was searching for Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis after scoring what turned out to be the winner in Friday's Serie A clash.

Higuain scored his fifth goal in his last five appearances against Napoli, the team he left for Juve in a €90million move after the 2015-16 season.

The Argentine striker has since traded barbs with De Laurentiis and been the subject of the ire of the Partenopei faithful, and he celebrated after opening the scoring at the Stadio San Paolo by placing his hand on his brow and scanning the stands.

Higuain explained after the match the gesture was aimed at the Napoli chief, telling Sky Sport Italia: "I looked for him but I could not see him. Maybe he hid himself."

Juve's victory moved them one point adrift of leaders Napoli, though Inter could go top with a win over Chievo on Sunday.

Despite his bitter relations with De Laurentiis, Higuain had only positive words for former boss Maurizio Sarri.

"I'm very fond of Sarri," he said. "He made me improve a lot and I will always be grateful to him. I love him as a person and as a coach. I wish him the best.

"We will keep in touch with one another and maybe we will find ourselves together in another team. It would be a great pleasure for me."

After cutting Napoli's advantage in the Scudetto race, Massimiliano Allegri's side must now turn their attention to sealing a place in the last 16 of the Champions League in their final Group D match against Olympiacos on Tuesday.