Rafa Benitez warned it “was not an easy game” for Napoli at Chievo, but denied lacking “ambition” for second place.
The 2-1 result at the Stadio Bentegodi was decided by Manolo Gabbiadini after two own goals.
“It was not an easy game and we ran a few risks, but could also have killed off the match earlier. This was our third consecutive victory and that is an important sign,” Benitez told Sky Sport Italia.
Rafa Benitez warned it “was not an easy game” for Napoli at Chievo, but denied lacking “ambition” for second place.
The 2-1 result at the Stadio Bentegodi was decided by Manolo Gabbiadini after two own goals.
“It was not an easy game and we ran a few risks, but could also have killed off the match earlier. This was our third consecutive victory and that is an important sign,” Benitez told Sky Sport Italia.
Napoli are now within four points of second-placed Roma and it was the perfect round for them, as contenders for third Lazio and Sampdoria both lost.
“I think taking it one game at a time is not a lack of ambition. It is a way of ensuring the team focuses on every single match, taking every point available and then at the end of the season we’ll see where we end up.
“As Allegri said, all the teams are more defensive and careful in the second half of the season, as they cannot afford any more risks.”
Benitez was asked about the squad rotation, resting the likes of Marek Hamsik and Jose Callejon.
“We tried to move the ball around more today, which wasn’t easy on this pitch. We created chances, played good football and nobody can say it’s risky to play Mertens, Jonathan de Guzman or Gabbiadini rather than Hamsik, Callejon or anyone else.
“I have always rotated the squad. Our players have the quality to win the game and if I don’t let some of them rest and others the chance to prove themselves, we will not grow as a team.
“Jonathan has pace, works hard and gets into great scoring positions, but we also know he isn’t always accurate in front of goal. If he was, he’d be worth €30m! He does a great job for the team and will improve.”
Gabbiadini got the winning goal by cutting in from a wide position, so can he change role later on?
“He can play on the right, left as a centre-forward or behind the main striker. He makes life difficult for defenders, as he doesn’t give reference points.”