Napoli sports chief Pierpaolo Marino has hit out at claims Ezequiel Lavezzi is a diver after he had a penalty shout turned down during yesterday's 1-0 defeat by Juventus.

"Unfortunately, it is believed that Lavezzi is a diver and I do not like the fact that he has this reputation," said Marino. "It can hurt us when seeing a clear penalty on a player branded a diver.

"Lavezzi has speed, class and is irrepressible, but the referees are doubting him."

Marino added: "Lavezzi has a hole in his swollen knee and this mistake has cost us a point."