Napoli captain Marek Hamsik thanked fans for their welcome home after defeat at Juvetus.

Around 3,000 supporters greeted the team as they landed back at the Capodichino airport at 2.50am.

“We are sad," wrote Hamsik on his official website. “We were a step away from maintaining leadership of the table, but we didn't manage it. Such a shame.

“We went to Turin in order to play our game. It was a balanced match, we played on a par with our opponents until the 88th minute, then we conceded a goal and lost, but we have to go forward.

“There are still 13 games to go. We will fight hard, always, already from the next match, as we want to get back on that winning wave.

“Our fans surprised us, as we really didn't expect it. We lost and yet they welcomed us at the airport as if we were winners. It was marvellous.

“The Napoli fans proved once again they are fantastic."