ESPNsoccernet: Europe

Marek Hamsik can't even bring himself to utter the word Scudetto in case he jinxes Napoli's tilt at the Serie A title.

Marek Hamsik was Napoli's match-winner against Cagliari (PA Photos)

Hamsik has been one of several stand out players as the Naples club have stormed to second in the table, two points behind leaders and defending champions Juventus.

Napoli are also enoying success in Europe, having qualified for the knockout phase of the Europa League, and the 25-year-old thinks their European form has helped push them on domestically.

Hamsik told La Gazzetta Dello Sport: "It was very important to reach the next round in the Europa League with a game to spare so we can better concentrate on the league.

"I want four wins up to Christmas, starting obviously against Pescara; a game that is easy on paper.''

But when he was asked about his side's assault on the Scudetto Hamsik replied: "I am superstitious and do not utter that word.

"We will not just be going head to head with Juventus. Inter are still in the running, Fiorentina, Lazio and Roma.''

Information from the Press Association was used in this report