Kevin Malcuit’s agent said the Napoli right-back has apologised for his costly backpass during defeat to Juventus but reminded fans ‘he needs our support’.

Malcuit gifted Juve the opening goal from the penalty spot on Saturday evening as his pass back to goalkeeper Alex Meret was intercepted by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The incident forced Meret to take down Ronaldo out of desperation and left the Partenopei a man light just 25 minutes in.

The Frenchman was replaced by Dries Mertens at half-time, while the Old Lady won 2-1 at the San Paolo to move 16 points clear at the Serie A summit.

“He’s aware of the significance of his mistake in a game like the one against Juventus, which isn’t like all the others just for Napoli's fans",  stressed the agent.