Marek Hamsik insists the 1-0 defeat to Juventus “changes nothing” for Napoli. “It’s not easy to break down teams that are so defensive.”

The only goal of the game, ending the Partenopei’s unbeaten record in Serie A this season, was scored by Gonzalo Higuain on the counter-attack.

Marek Hamsik insists the 1-0 defeat to Juventus “changes nothing” for Napoli. “It’s not easy to break down teams that are so defensive.”

The only goal of the game, ending the Partenopei’s unbeaten record in Serie A this season, was scored by Gonzalo Higuain on the counter-attack.

“I don’t think this result changes anything. We’re disappointed not to have made our fans happy, as we know how much they care about this fixture,” Hamsik told Sky Sport Italia.

“We pinned them back for 70 minutes, but unfortunately were unable to score a goal. They defended very well and are a solid team.

“There is no fatigue in the squad, as the statistics say otherwise. It’s not easy to break down teams that are so defensive. We created a few opportunities and just didn’t finish them off.”

Since Arkadiusz Milik’s knee ligament injury, Dries Mertens remains the only centre-forward, so Napoli don’t have a Plan B.

“Unfortunately, Arek got hurt at the worst time, as the transfer window was closed and we couldn’t bring anyone else in. Dries is doing well.

Juventus closed down all the spaces, both laterally and centrally. In the first half we only went around them with crosses, while after the break we were able to push them back and go through the centre too. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough.

“Now we have to focus on the Champions League, where an equally important game awaits us.”

Napoli must beat Feyenoord in Holland and hope Manchester City get the victory away to Shakhar Donetsk in order to qualify for the Round of 16.

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