Hamsik double eases pressure off Donadoni

Marek Hamsik struck twice in the second half at San Paolo to hand Napoli a second win of the season, 2-1 at the expense of struggling Siena, and ease the pressure on Roberto Donadoni.

Massimo Maccarone brought Siena level after 55 minutes after Hamsik’s opener but the Slovakian’s second sealed the win that leaves the visitors just above the relegation zone with four points from six Serie A outings.

Donadoni’s position had come under scrutiny following three defeats in five matches but, having received the unequivocal support of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, the former Italy boss saw his side pick up a much-needed win.

Siena started well and Maccarone set the visitors off on a promising attack in the 10th minute, releasing Mato Jajalo who played a cheeky lobbed pass towards Michele Fini.

Christian Maggio was the last man but he did well to snuff out the threat.

Siena continued to push and after 15 minutes Maccarone again got things moving, playing in Fini on the left.

Fini broke well and attempted to find Abdelkader Ghezzal, but the Frenchman was crowded out by Salvatore Aronica.

Jajalo and Maccarone again combined with 28 minutes gone, the latter finding Ghezzal in the middle only for the striker to volley over the crossbar.

Soon after there was an appeal for a penalty by the counter-attacking Maggio. He looked to have a case against Jajalo but the referee turned down the appeals.

Napoli continued to find their feet as the half progressed and four minutes from the interval, Maggio getting on the end of Fabio Quagliarella’s flick-on.

His effort was heading over the line with the goalkeeper out of position but Cristiano Del Grosso was able to get back to clear at the last.

Napoli took the lead four minutes into the second half, Quagliarella and Jesus Datolo working a chance for Hamsik, who headed home.

There were protests from Siena, who claimed a foul on Claudio Terzi in the build-up but they were not heeded.

It took Siena just seven minutes to restore parity, with Leandro Rinaudo allowing Maccarone far too much room as he powered into the box and shot past Morgan De Sanctis.

Just after the hour mark a Goncalo Brandao handball gave Napoli a penalty, with Hamsik seeing his initial effort saved but prodding home the rebound.

With 15 minutes left Quagliarella just failed to make contact with Ezequiel Lavezzi’s teasing cross.

The slightest of touches would surely have made it 3-1.

Siena began to throw everything into attack, going to a 4-2-4 formation with the introduction of Michele Paolucci in place of Fini.

They pushed and pressed in an entertaining last 10 minutes which was full of attacking intent but low on clear-cut chances for the visitors.

Napoli, much to Donadoni’s relief, held firm to take the three points, taking their total for the season to seven and opening up daylight between themselves and their opponents.