Marek Hamsik has a great record against Juventus and says Napoli are ready for tomorrow’s “indisputably important” Super Cup.
It kicks off in Doha on Monday at 17.30 GMT.
“I’ve scored many times against Juve and all of them wonderful,” grinned the Slovak international.
“I above all remember the brace in Turin, where we hadn’t won for over 20 years, and the goal in the Coppa Italia Final, our first trophy together.
Marek Hamsik has a great record against Juventus and says Napoli are ready for tomorrow’s “indisputably important” Super Cup.
It kicks off in Doha on Monday at 17.30 GMT.
“I’ve scored many times against Juve and all of them wonderful,” grinned the Slovak international.
“I above all remember the brace in Turin, where we hadn’t won for over 20 years, and the goal in the Coppa Italia Final, our first trophy together.
“This time the stage is an international one, like it was in Beijing for the Super Cup in 2012. We shouldn’t have lost that game, at least not like that. It was a hard-fought match and we could’ve won.”
It caused controversy when Napoli saw two men sent off and lost 4-2 in extra time, then snubbed the trophy ceremony.
“This Super Cup is indisputably important,” continued Hamsik. “And I love the idea of lifting a trophy.
“Juventus are to be feared, as they know how to win and are full of champions. Are we underdogs? In a one-off game anything can happen.
“If we beat Juve, it’ll be hugely satisfying for us and our fans, sending a positive image of Napoli and the city of Naples. We can do it if we replicate the performance against Roma.”
Today President Aurelio De Laurentiis visited the training ground and gave his players a stern talking-to, accusing them of “resting on their laurels” after falling out of the Scudetto race.
“When President De Laurentiis speaks, we give our response on the pitch. He has always helped and knows how to motivate us. People expected more this season and we’re aware of that. We’ve thrown away an enormous number of points.”
Captain Hamsik was even on the end of jeers and protests due to poor form, fuelling reports of a sale.
“I am a professional and know what football is like. I give it all I’ve got, then everyone is free to express their opinion. I would never jeer anyone, personally.
“The tactics are now 4-2-3-1, it has never changed, so it’s up to me to improve and adapt.”
Hamsik had been close to joining Milan a few years ago when Max Allegri was in charge, but the Coach is now at Juventus.
“I am grateful for the respect Allegri has always shown towards me. However, I made my choice and never regretted it.”