Walter Mazzarri is certainly not resting on Napoli’s laurels after a midweek triumph. “Sampdoria are potentially stronger than Lazio.”
Walter Mazzarri is certainly not resting on Napoli’s laurels after a midweek triumph. “Sampdoria are potentially stronger than Lazio.”
The Partenopei caught Juventus at the top of the Serie A table following their 3-0 victory over the Biancocelesti on Wednesday night. Click here for a match preview.
“Aside from the top spot, we want to do well in order to give a sense of consistency to our performance against Lazio,” said Mazzarri in his Press conference.
“We played very well against a strong side and every game must be faced with the same attitude. Sampdoria are still unbeaten and are potentially stronger than Lazio. They also have the advantage of playing on home turf in a passionate stadium that I know well, so we mustn’t get distracted.”
The Coach really made his mark on Italian football when in charge of Sampdoria, taking them to UEFA Cup qualification and the Coppa Italia Final during his spell from 2007 to 2009.
“Samp will be missing some important players, but have others who can bring plenty of pace to the side. Ciro Ferrara has made them very motivated, organised and I don’t think that an individual player can really change that.
“We must get off to a great start. It is not easy to play at the Stadio Ferraris, so we need to open strongly to stop their enthusiasm getting up a head of steam. We need the same approach we initially took against Manchester City last season.”
Napoli are joint leaders of Serie A with Juventus, but Mazzarri will not discuss their Scudetto chances.
“It is too early. Only what happens on the pitch will tell us if we have matured enough. Every game is important and there are many sides like Milan, Inter, Roma, Lazio and Fiorentina can certainly get back into the race.
“My job is to keep my lads with their eyes on the road, acting as if the win over Lazio never happened.”
Mazzarri turns 51 on Monday, though do not expect cake and party balloons.
“My players can give me the best present, but everyone knows I don’t like celebrating birthdays.”