[Intertoto] Napoli back in UEFA Cup

Napoli progressed to the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup after a second 1-0 victory over Panionios courtesy of Marek Hamsik second-half strike the day before his 21st birthday.

In front of more than 55,000 spectators, Napoli started confidently and bossed possession for the majority of the first half and Uruguayan midfielder Mariano Bogliacino had three sights on goal forcing away goalkeeper Dario Kresic to an excellent save with the last of them.

However, it was the Greek side who had the best chance before half-time as striker Lampros Choutos hit the post with a close-range shot.

Panionios started the second period well but after 64 minutes, Napoli substitute Inccio Pia crossed for Argentinian striker German Denis whose precise header allowed Slovakian international Hamsik to fire in.

The goal relaxed the home side and they played out the remainder of the match to book a place in the UEFA Cup 14 years after their last appearance in the competition.

UEFA Cup Second Qualifying Round
Draw: 1 August 2008
First Leg: 14 August 2008
Second Leg: 28 August 2008
> Winners qualify for the UEFA Cup First Round. AC Milan, Sampdoria and Udinese enter the tournament at this stage.

Source: UEFA