Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has admitted his team need to more ruthless after the 2-3 deafeat at home to Bologna on Sunday night.
“I have tried to tell my players they play too ‘nice’ and need to be more ruthless. I hope we can learn from these lessons,” said Mazzarri.
“Napoli created many scoring opportunities and Bologna scored on one of only two chances they had in the first half,”
“Our defect is that once we take the lead, we think the job is done. It has happened numerous time and we don’t kill sides off.
“We get distracted and unconsciously the players think the victory is safe. That is where we really must improve and make that step up in quality, otherwise we’ll keep dropping points continually.
“These players gave their all tonight. When you waste that many chances at this level, you will pay. I don’t know how many opportunities we had to finish it off.
The Azzurri manager has also shot down any claims that his side can compete with Juventus for the Scudetto this season.
“Juventus are doing something special and I’ve said since the summer that we have to grow.
“We’re all on a par now for second place and will see how the season ends, as I don’t view anyone else right now who can compete with Juve. Perhaps things will change, but it’s tough when they’re playing like that. Napoli should focus on other objectives.”
After matchday 17 Napoli currently sit in third position, one point behind Inter in second.
