Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis admits he's amazed by their progress after victory over UEFA Cup opponents Panionios last night.

The triumph was made possible by Mariano Bogliacino's goal in Athens and Marek Hamsik's strike to secure a 1-0 victory in Naples.

"I never think negative and always look at the positive side," said the patron after their 2-0 aggregate victory over Panionios.

"We could not lose tonight. The team poured everything it had on to that pitch so it would not disappoint over 60,000 fans who flocked to the San Paolo and the other millions supporting us all over the world.

"There was too much desire from everyone to get back into Europe and that hunger could not be denied."

Napoli sports chief Pierpaolo Marino added: "Just think, two years and two months ago we were in Serie C.

"I consider this qualification an extraordinary achievement that seems like a miracle if we look at where this journey started.

"It has been possible thanks to the hard work of all the players who have worn the shirt in these years. Ours was a kamikaze mission, but we did it. I don't want to go to sleep in case it all turns out to be a wonderful dream."