Napoli vs Genoa - Hamsik ‘won’t give up’ in Serie A title race

Marek Hamsik has urged Napoli fans to “believe” as they look to push Juventus all the way in the Serie A title race.

Maurizio Sarri’s side have slipped four points behind the leaders following a 4-2 defeat against Roma and goalless draw at Inter Milan in their last two matches.

But ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Genoa, Slovakian skipper Hamsik has issued a rallying cry, insisting his side will continue to fight.

“We’ve had an extraordinary season so far and we want it to get even better – we won’t give up,” Hamsik told Radio Kiss Kiss in quotes published on Napoli’s official website.

“We’ve got 10 games to go and there are 30 points up for grabs. We still have to play Juventus and there are other matches that could prove key. We just need to keep going and believe that we can win every game.”

“We should and could have got more points from our last two games, but now we need to look to the future. We play Genoa next and we want to bounce back in front of our fans.

“We need the support of the San Paolo. I can guarantee that the team is together – we believe. I would ask the fans to believe too.

“If we all stick together, we can do it. One thing is for sure and that’s that we won’t give up.”

Winger Leandrinho will not feature as he nurses a muscle injury, while Faouzi Ghoulam (kneecap) and Vlad Chiriches (back) are also out.

Opponents Genoa are currently 13th, six points above the relegation zone, and manager Davide Ballardini is expecting an “intense” game in Naples.

He told a pre-match press conference: “We’ll play with a well-organised team, it will be a very stimulating test. I’m curious to see how we’ll play.

“It will be a very intense game from the beginning, a match always alive for many reasons.”

Forward pair Adel Taarabt and Giuseppe Rossi are back in the squad but defender Armando Izzo and midfielder Miguel Veloso remain sidelined.