After the disappointment of failing to reach the Champions League group stages Napoli captain Marek Hamsik has been able to take some solace in the fact that Friday’s Europa League draw has paired the Partenopei with former club Slovan Bratislava.
The 27-year-old began his career with the Slovakian side and is looking forward to the prospect of facing them with family and friends in attendance, while also relishing the prospect of facing fellow Group I opponents Sparta Prague, a match that was viewed as a Derby while at Slovan.
“It is a very interesting draw,” Hamsik told sccnapoli.it.
“When I looked at the possible opponents I noticed that we could face Sparta Prague and Slovan Bratislava, and in the end it went that way as well.
“All three teams are good, with Slovan I became champion at the youth level and then entered the great football, matches with Sparta Prague were considered derby.
“I cannot wait to play at Bratislava and Prague in front of family and friends.”
Follow Kevin Pogorzelski on Twitter: @rabbitrabbiton
