Napoli vs Lazio preview - Hamsik issues warning
Posted Saturday, April 12, 2014 by PA
Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik has urged his team-mates to avoid any slip-ups between now and the end of the season as they look to secure a place in next season's Champions League.
The Naples outfit host European hopefuls Lazio on Sunday looking to strengthen their grip on third place.
Rafael Benitez's side have a nine-point advantage over nearest challengers Fiorentina and will be keen to preserve that, as well as make up for their 1-0 loss at Parma last time out with a win this weekend.
"We cannot afford any further slips if we are to hold on to third place," Hamsik said. "We have to give our all in our remaining six games in order to avoid having regrets at the end of the season.
"We have to make the most of our home games and I'm sure we will do well against Lazio."
Napoli have won 10 and lost just two of their 16 games at the San Paolo stadium but will not take Lazio lightly and for good reason.
Lazio, coached by former Napoli tactician Edy Reja, have lost just two of their last eight games.
Moreover, the capital club have won their last two, including a 2-0 victory over Sampdoria last time out.
Reja's men will have an added motivation to come out triumphant in Naples, for heading into the weekend they knew that if results were to go their way in this round they could climb to fifth place.
Lazio began the weekend seventh in the standings, two points adrift of Parma and Inter Milan. Inter held fifth position, the last Europa League qualifying spot.
"We are going to Naples knowing we will face a very strong team," Reja said. "Napoli have done very well this season.
"It's going to be difficult for us to come out triumphant but we will try."
The visitors will be without Uruguay midielder Alvaro Gonzalez and German striker Miroslav Klose.
Both players got hurt against Sampdoria and will be sidelined for a month with respective muscular injuries.
To complicate matters for Reja, Argentinian midfielder Lucas Biglia must serve a one-match ban.
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