Napoli captain Marek Hamsik, has dedicated his sides 3-1 victory over Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia final to the city of Naples, the fans and his family.
The tumultuous build up to the game, in which three men were injured in a shooting that police have now announced was unrelated to any trouble between fans, threatened to ruin what turned out to be a thoroughly entertaining final.
A Lorenzo Insigne double and a late Dries Mertens strike was enough to secure the Partenopei’s second Coppa Italia triumph in three years and speaking to Rai Sport after the game.
“It was a difficult game, but the emotion of winning is enormous,” Hamsik said. “Winning the Coppa Italia is an amazing feeling.”
Commenting on the injury the Slovakian sustained during the final he remarked, “Injuries happen but the most important thing is to regain fitness and help the team.
“In recent years I have played in a deeper position but I still have to improve in the 4-2-3-1 formation of [Rafa] Benitez.”
The 26-year-old captain showed great leadership before the game after he approached the Curva Nord and spoke to the leaders of the Ultras, assuring them that the reports of a Napoli fan dying were inaccurate, an act which helped prevent the game being postponed.
“Being Napoli captain is a very important responsibility, here [in Naples] we live for football,” he continued.
“Tonight we changed the way we played and the Mister [Benitez] has been important in winning this competition.
“I dedicate this victory to the city of Naples, all the supporters and my family.”
Follow Luca Hodges-Ramon on Twitter: @LH_Ramon25
