Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri refused to discuss his side’s Scudetto chances, despite their win over Hellas Verona on Sunday afternoon taking them top of Serie A.
Goals from Lorenzo Insigne and Gonzalo Higuain gave the Partenopei all three points, but the 56-year-old highlighted that with their rivals still to play it was not a true reflection of the table.
“It seems pointless to talk about leading Serie A as the other teams have yet to play,” Sarri told Sky Sport Italia.
“The truth is that we have reached third place and for us it is already something important.
“We knew it would be difficult because there had been a international break. We found a very disciplined, but we have not stopped trying.
“We were good, and once we found the advantage, immediately closed out the game.
“As a coach you can put your own ideas across regarding how to attack, but always it depends on the quality of the players to express them.
“In defence, however, I believe that we can make a difference. The fact that the team is getting solid is giving me satisfaction.
“Of course, every time Insigne and Higuain score it gives me satisfaction. That, however, is about the quality of them, not me.”
Despite flying high in Serie A the former Empoli coach reiterated that they remain equally as focused on the Europa League, and will not think about the upcoming league clash with Inter until they return from Brugges midweek.
“We have to be focused every match,” said Sarri.
“Unlike what everyone thinks, we are very focused on the challenge in Europe because we very much about it.
“From Friday, we will begin to think of the challenge with Inter on Monday.”
With Higuain netting, despite a tiring trip back to South America for international duty, Sarri admitted the Argentinian had not been expected to feature, but current injury woes leave him with few alternatives.
“Higuain came back tired, on Friday it seemed that he would be unable to play,” claimed the Italian.
“Yesterday, though, he was a little better and today managed to make the match.
“Going to Colombia, having thirty hours of flying, is really hard.
“We do not have many alternatives [to rest him], it is not a consideration of the transfer window because we do have a replacement for every position.
“Right now, though, we have unfortunately got [Dries] Martens and [Manolo] Gabbadini out and we were with four strikers.
“Some of those who played today, will also play against Club Brugge.”
