Hamsik: Chelsea clash will be the match of the year for Napoli

Napoli star Marek Hamsik is eagerly anticipating the first leg of their round of 16 tie against Chelsea in Europe's elite competition this Tuesday.

The Slovakia international expects an entertaining encounter, and has described the match versus the Premier League giants as the game of the year for the Partenopei.

"It will be a great game. It's the match of the season for us. The return of the Coppa Italia semi-final against Siena is obviously important as well, but the Champions League is fascinating," Hamsik said to Il Corriere dello Sport.

"It will a real treat for our fantastic fans, and for the team itself.

"Chelsea in a crisis? That's just something the news papers write. They have won only one of their last six games, though.

"It could be a favourable situation, but we have to be careful. Chelsea are a big team with some great players. We want a good result and will do our utmost to achieve just that."

Tuesday's game in Naples kicks off at 20.45CET at the Stadio San Paolo.