Marek Hamsik scored just before the break as Napoli came from behind to level the scores at 1-1 in their Serie A match against Hellas Verona.

© Getty Images

The visitors took the lead inside the first minute when Emil Hallfredsson latched on to a clearance on the edge of the box and powered a volley into the far corner of the net.

Napoli looked for a quick reply and Lorenzo Insigne saw his effort kept out by Rafael.

Hallfredsson almost scored his second in the ninth minute when he burst into the box and had his shot parried by the keeper, before Luca Toni missed the chance to score from the rebound.

The match was being played at a frantic pace and Higuain was the next player to be denied as his powerful shot was turned behind.

Jorginho then tried his luck with a strike from just inside the box that was beaten away by the keeper.

With a minute of the half left to play Hamsik volleyed in from close range after Jose Callejon's cross had deflected to him kindly to ensure the two teams went into the break on level terms.