Maurizio Sarri wants Napoli to “prove our mentality really has changed” with a victory over Palermo, shrugging off distractions.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Sicilians are in the drop zone and debut their fourth Coach of the season, Diego Lopez, after Eugenio Corini resigned.
Maurizio Sarri wants Napoli to “prove our mentality really has changed” with a victory over Palermo, shrugging off distractions.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.
The Sicilians are in the drop zone and debut their fourth Coach of the season, Diego Lopez, after Eugenio Corini resigned.
“We will try to beat Palermo and that is the only thing that matters,” said Sarri in his Press conference when asked if his beautiful football could win the Scudetto.
“It’s a difficult game and there is the risk of complacency. We struggled to beat Sampdoria, who picked up fewer points than Palermo on their travels, and drew with Sassuolo. I am interested in results, that’s it.
“Palermo’s main problems have been on home turf. If you look at their tally away, they’d be mid-table. There are some strong players in there and the introduction of a new Coach makes it even more delicate for us.
“This is the exact type of match where we have to prove our maturity, that our mentality really has changed. It’s easy to be motivated against Milan and Fiorentina.”
Napoli are in the running for the Scudetto, Champions League and Coppa Italia. Which trophy does Sarri dream of the most?
“I only dream of Palermo. Dreams are for the fans, we have to fuel those dreams, but keep our feet on the ground too.”
Sarri noted that Arkadiusz Milik “does not feel 100 per cent yet, so would prefer to continue training” rather than sit on the bench tomorrow.
Faouzi Ghoulam has returned after Algeria were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations in the group stage.
“We have to be cautious, as it’s a different tournament with a different context. Mind you, we could need him, as it depends how Ivan Strinic is.
“Leonardo Pavoletti has done what I expected. He was coming off a long injury lay-off and could not be at 100 per cent.”
Manolo Gabbiadini is on the verge of a transfer to Southampton for €20m, including bonuses, but Sarri insists he wasn’t wasted at Napoli.
“He had the best goals per game average of his career with us. In my view, I got the best out of him. The club has not told me anything on a sale.”
This week Emanuele Giaccherini’s agent demanded a transfer due to the lack of playing time and Sarri hit back.
“Agents at a top level would not have done that. Things should be done differently, in my view. If I were an agent, I’d try to look after the interests of my clients and not get into a row over the professionalism of others.”