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Slovakian midfielder Marek Hamsik, who will not be taking part in the World Cup 2014 after his team failed to qualify for the tournament, has said that Napoli will still be contenders for the title at the end of the season.

After suffering a second defeat of the season, Rafa Benitez's men have slipped behind Roma and Juventus in the title race. They went into the match against Juventus with a lot of high hopes, but they were unable to come away with even a draw. They were beaten by Antonio Conte's men with a lot of ease.

The 3-0 defeat was inflicted through goals from Fernando Llorente, Andrea Pirlo, and Paul Pogba. This result leaves Napoli into third place after just 10 matches this season. Despite this defeat, Hamsik has said that Napoli still remain in the title race because there are a lot of games remaining. He has stated that they still have to play against the likes of Juventus and Roma at home, which will give them an advantage. Hamsik was not expected to be at the World Cup since his Slovakia team do not have much quality elsewhere apart from him.

"It was an important game at Juventus, but not decisive. We are saddened by the loss, but the championship is long. Fortunately, Roma drew at the weekend so the teams at the top are very close. We are only at Week 12 and everything is still in our own hands, we'll still have to play Roma and Juventus again in the Spring," said the midfielder. This was the second defeat in the last five matches for Napoli.

Hamsik has been in great form of Napoli after scoring six goals in just 12 matches for Benitez and his men. After the international break, they play against Parma.