Hamsik chases Maradona record as Real date looms

AFP, ROME: Marek Hamsik says he remains in awe of Argentina legend Diego Maradona but the Slovakia midfielder won’t hold back as the former Napoli hero’s 115-goal club record comes into sight.
Hamsik and Dries Mertens struck memorable hat-tricks in a 7-1 rout at Bologna on Saturday as Napoli boosted their hopes of a first title since Maradona inspired the southerners to the second of their two titles in 1990.
The Slovakian international’s first Serie A hat-trick took his Napoli tally to 111 goals in nine seasons, only four short of the record Maradona set during a successful but controversial spell in 1984-1991.
The big win, with Mertens grabbing his third hat-trick of the season, left Napoli six points shy of leaders Juventus after the Turin giants’ 1-0 win over Inter Milan.
But Napoli are up to second and morale is high a week before the Italians face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Maradona’s name remains inextricably linked to Napoli but Hamsik will not let sentiment get in the way as he eyes the great Argentine’s 25-year-old record.

Hamsik chases Maradona record as Real date looms

AFP, ROME: Marek Hamsik says he remains in awe of Argentina legend Diego Maradona but the Slovakia midfielder wont hold back as the former Napoli heros 115-goal club record comes into sight. Hamsik and Dries Mertens struck memorable hat-tricks in a 7-1 rout at Bologna on Saturday as Napoli boosted their hopes of a first title since Maradona inspired the southerners to the second of their two titles in 1990. The Slovakian internationals first Serie A hat-trick took his Napoli tally to 111 goals in nine seasons, only four short of the record Maradona set during a successful but controversial spell in 1984-1991. The big win, with Mertens grabbing his third hat-trick of the season, left Napoli six points shy of leaders Juventus after the Turin giants 1-0 win over Inter Milan. But Napoli are up to second and morale is high a week before the Italians face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. Maradonas name remains inextricably linked to Napoli but Hamsik will not let sentiment get in the way as he eyes the great Argentines 25-year-old record.