Walter Mazzarri leaves Napoli in no doubt as to the importance of their Europa League match with Dnipro. “If we lose, then we’re out.”
Walter Mazzarri leaves Napoli in no doubt as to the importance of their Europa League match with Dnipro. “If we lose, then we’re out.”
The Partenopei had started so brightly with a 4-0 victory over AIK, but were beaten 3-0 by PSV Eindhoven in the second group match and visit Ukraine on Thursday.
“We are facing the strongest team in the group. In case of defeat, it would become very difficult for us to progress to the next phase. If we lose, then we’re out, so we know how important this match is.”
Dnipro are top of Group F with two wins out of two, while Napoli are joint second with PSV on three points.
Despite pointing out how crucial this fixture is, Mazzarri has opted to rotate his squad again.
“If it was up to me I would play with 11 different players compared to Serie A, so we could give our best in both competitions. After three days it is inevitable tiredness will take its toll.
“It looks to me as if our system of rotating the squad in Europe is being followed by other more prestigious clubs too.
“This is not a second string side, though. Anyone who does well in the Europa League can earn his place in Serie A too.”