Marchisio: When I play Napoli, something in me goes off

10 Jan 2013 19:45:00

The Bianconeri midfielder has created a media storm after saying in an interview he holds a grudge against the Serie A contenders from the south but the Partenopei have responded

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has revealed his contempt for Serie A rivals Napoli with the Neapolitan club demanding an explanation for his "grave insult".

The last couple of seasons have seen the rivalry between the clubs grow, and the Italy international says he is more fired up when facing the Partenopei.

“It’s not any particular face, but a team, especially after the rough Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup finals: Napoli," Marchisio was quoted as saying in La Repubblica.

“When I am faced with Napoli, something goes off in me.”

Unsurprisingly, his comments have not been well received in the Southern Italian city and Napoli have already issued a public statement in response, asking for an explanation from the midfielder and his club.

“Marchisio’s comments represent a grave insult towards Napoli and all of Italian football. We are surprised that a player of his stature and who plays in such a prestigious club would say things like that," read the club's official website.

“We hope it is only a misunderstanding and await clarification from the player and from Juventus.”

Relations between the two Italian giants have traditionally been sour but were only intensified in the Italian Super Cup played in Beijing earlier this season, when the Partenopei boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony in protest to refereeing decisions made during the final.

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