Maurizio Sarri insists Napoli “dominated Juventus in every conceivable way,” but there are no alternatives to Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne.

The Partenopei were beaten 1-0 at the Stadio San Paolo by a Gonzalo Higuain counter-attack, despite dominating possession.

Maurizio Sarri insists Napoli “dominated Juventus in every conceivable way,” but there are no alternatives to Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne.

The Partenopei were beaten 1-0 at the Stadio San Paolo by a Gonzalo Higuain counter-attack, despite dominating possession.

“We dominated Juve in every conceivable way and didn’t allow them much, but at this moment we aren’t as sharp up front and are not transforming this dominance into goals,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“I complimented the team and if we lose one Serie A game after nine months, that’s not a disaster. With a bit of sharpness, we would’ve won. I don’t want to see any heads drop.

“Conceding a goal so early made it easier for Juventus to sit back and go on the counter. They are strong physically and know how to soak up pressure.

“We know that we’ve got three world class strikers and will get them back to their best soon. For the moment, we’ve just got to grit our teeth and push on. We are still playing excellent football.”

Insigne went off with an injury during the second half, while Mertens has not rested since Arkadiusz Milik tore his anterior cruciate ligament in September.

“Insigne has a groin inflammation since he returned from international duty. I thought of taking him off earlier in the game, but he was still useful. Now we need to evaluate his condition, as I have no idea if he can play against Feyenoord.

“As for Mertens, I wouldn’t know who to rotate him with. There are no other options in the squad. People talk about Adam Ounas as if he’s Cristiano Ronaldo, but he’s a kid of 20 and a talented anarchist who at this moment just needs to focus on maturing. I hope he can do well in future.”

In order to qualify for the Champions League Round of 16, Napoli must beat Feyenoord and hope Manchester City get the victory away to Shakhtar Donetsk.

“I am counting 100 per cent on the professionalism of Manchester City,” added Sarri.

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