Napoli vs AS Roma preview - Hamsik turns attention to Serie A - 7M sport

Napoli vs AS Roma preview - Hamsik turns attention to Serie A



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Posted Sunday, December 18, 2011 by PA

Napoli striker Marek Hamsik insists he and his team-mates will not be distracted by their Champions League draw which saw them paired with Chelsea when they host Roma in Serie A on Sunday.

Walter Mazzarri's men were drawn against the Premier League side in one of the stand-out ties in the last 16.

Napoli qualified for the first time to the knockout round of Europe's elite club competition after finishing second in Group A.

"We avoided Barcelona or Real Madrid and this is the most important thing," Hamsik said. "However, Chelsea are still a strong opponent, a big club accustomed to play in the Champions League.

"They will be favourites but we will try."

Despite the obvious attraction of next year's clash, Hamsik believes his side's focus right now is solely on the domestic front.

"We will have plenty of time to think about the Champions League," he said. "Now our priority is to get back on track in Serie A, starting on Sunday."

Napoli have lost a bit of momentum on the domestic front in recent weeks.

They were held to a 1-1 result at Novara last time out - their fourth draw in their last five league games and lie fifth in the standings, three points clear of Sunday's rivals.

Roma, meanwhile, held Serie A leaders Juventus to a 1-1 draw on Monday.

The result eased the pressure on Roma coach Luis Enrique, who had gone into the game under intense scrutiny after his team's defeats at Udinese and Fiorentina.

Roma will be bolstered by the return of defender Juan, midfielder Gago and striker Bojan.

All three players missed the game against Juventus through suspension.

However, Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic will serve a one-match ban this weekend.



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