Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli explained Dries Mertens’ absence against FC Zurich as a fitness issue and pointed to mentality as key.
The Europa League Round of 32 first leg kicks off at 20.00 GMT, click here for the LIVEBLOG.
“Mertens had an issue during the week in training, he wasn’t at 100 per cent yesterday, so we preferred to let him rest this evening,” Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.
Napoli director Cristiano Giuntoli explained Dries Mertens’ absence against FC Zurich as a fitness issue and pointed to mentality as key.
The Europa League Round of 32 first leg kicks off at 20.00 GMT, click here for the LIVEBLOG.
“Mertens had an issue during the week in training, he wasn’t at 100 per cent yesterday, so we preferred to let him rest this evening,” Giuntoli told Sky Sport Italia.
“It would be important for us to bring a positive result home. We’re so far away from the Final, let alone the trophy, that it would be remiss to think about that now.
“It’s a delicate match in a fiery atmosphere and a great deal will depend on our mentality. We have the capability of doing well and hope to live up to that.
“As Carlo Ancelotti said, we aren’t determined enough in front of goal and the whole team needs to be more aggressive in these situations. Hopefully, we can turn the trend around.”