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DECK THE BALLS

Napoli show off amazing Christmas kit featuring huge Rudolph on iconic Blue shirt as they lock antlers with Villarreal

KIT'S a wonderful life! 

Napoli donned an incredible Christmas shirt including a huge Rudolph as they locked antlers with Villarreal for a friendly.

Victor Osimhen gets into the spirit of it as he celebrates his goal for Napoli
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Victor Osimhen gets into the spirit of it as he celebrates his goal for NapoliCredit: Rex
Napoli's Germany midfielder Diego Demme puts on a turn for Xmas
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Napoli's Germany midfielder Diego Demme puts on a turn for XmasCredit: Rex
Alessio Zerbin looks like he could give Rudolph and the other reindeer a good run for their money in terms of athleticism
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Alessio Zerbin looks like he could give Rudolph and the other reindeer a good run for their money in terms of athleticismCredit: Rex

And in keeping with the seasonal twist on their iconic blue top, the Serie A leaders handed over three gifts to the Spaniards.

Villarreal won the warm-up match 3-2 ahead of the Xmas return of the domestic season following the World Cup.

Napoli did avoid a stuffing - surely helped by Rudolph giving the visitors the eyes.

But despite being eight points clear in the Italian top flight, Luciano Spalletti's men might need to tighten up to keep AC Milan and Juventus at bay.

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Next come Lazio, and there's even a chance of an Inter Wonderland as Simone Inzaghi's side are 'only' 11 points off Napoli in fifth place.

Had this been a competitive game it would have been more of a shocking thriller than a stocking filler as Napoli looked sleepy and dopey at the back.

And in fact Villarreal began the action much the stronger.

Etienne Capoue pounced on a rebound following a poor clearance for the opener.

FOOTBALLERS' CHRISTMAS XI

YULE be sorry if this seasonal dream team never unites.

As-myrrh Begovic
Ben White Christmas
Bukayo Cracker
Scott McHogmanay 
Mistletoni Kroos
Lionel Xmassy
Erling Garland
Olivier Gi-Rudolph
Snow Salah
Andy Carol
Danny Trimm-Ings

Manager:
Holly Gunnar Sole Star

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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen - previously linked with Manchester United - soon beat the offside trap to thump an equaliser.

But Villarreal could easily have restored the lead before striking twice.

 Jackson surged away from  for a stunning top-corner finish.

And  instantly ran clear to make it 3-1 following a dreadful pass from 

Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - another player linked with a Premier League move - bagged a consolation for Napoli from a penalty won by Alessio Zerbin.

And at least the Italians won the contest for festive footie fashion as they could hardly be accused of being Rudolph the tame gear.

More importantly, there was a respectful minute's silence before kick-off for Serie A legend Sinisa Mihajlovic.

The Serbian, who died on Friday aged 53, was a playing hero for Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter Milan before managing AC Milan, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Torino and Bologna.

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