Napoli coach Rafa Benitez believes his side proved their winning mentality in their 2-0 win over Sassuolo on Monday.
The Partenopei broke the deadlock in the second half through goals from Duvan Zapata and Marek Hamsik. Zapata only started the game because Gonzalo Higuain was suspended.
“It was not easy because Sassuolo played a good match,” Benitez told Sky Sport, “but we have demonstrated that we have the right mentality against a good side.”
Zapata was a constant threat in his first start since December. He now has more goals (5) than games started in Serie A, and Benitez admits that it’s hard to find time for the 23-year-old.
“Zapata? It’s tough to leave him on the bench, but he must do what he did today: to score goals and create many scoring opportunities,” Benitez said.
Mariano Andujar also made his second straight start in net for Napoli. Regular starter Rafael has not made an appearance since a 3-1 loss to Palermo on February 14.
“Andujar and Rafael? Both are good goalkeepers,” Benitez said. “Andujar has done well in the Coppa Italia, Rafael has done well throughout the year.”
The result leaves Napoli only three points behind second-placed Roma. Benitez was not ready to say whether his club is better than the Giallorossi, and he was in no mood to discuss his future with the club.
“We should not waste time with these things, I will speak with the president later,” Benitez said. “We have so many games, so many competitions, we have to focus only on football.”
