Hamsik hungry for Maradona's mark

Marek Hamsik said he remains in awe of Argentina legend Diego Maradona but the Slovakia midfielder won't hold back as the former Napoli hero's club record of 115 goals comes into sight.

Hamsik and Dries Mertens struck memorable hat-tricks in a 7-1 rout at Bologna on Saturday as Napoli boosted its hopes of a first Serie A title since Maradona inspired the southerners to the second of their two titles in 1990.

The Slovakian international's first Serie A hat-trick took his Napoli tally to 111 goals in nine seasons, four short of Maradona's record tally set during a successful but controversial spell from 1984-91.