Walter Mazzarri admits Napoli “did not play well” on his debut, but President Aurelio De Laurentiis admired their spirit.
“We won, but we played badly in a way that I really don't like,” said the Coach after a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Bologna.
“The result boosts confidence and will be useful for the future. I compliment my lads on their efforts, but we did not play the kind of football I want to see.
“They were a little tense and wasted some really clear scoring opportunities.”
Ezequiel Lavezzi was picked in the starting XI despite only returning from international duty yesterday after losing his passport.
“I have to make my decisions, these are choices I will soon be able to make with the entire squad at my disposal.
“It went well, I picked Lavezzi because in talking to him and looking him in the eyes I understood he could guarantee a performance.”
President De Laurentiis was furious at Napoli's recent results and in the last three weeks has fired both Coach Roberto Donadoni and director of sport Pierpaolo Marino.
“I had faith in this shake-up and the lads responded with the concept of a team unit I had talked to the Coach about,” said the patron.
“This was a very concentrated performance. Let's just say we begin again from this point onwards.
“There is a lot of work to be done. Mazzarri does not have an easy job ahead of him, but he is a warrior just like me. The players will respond to it and from January we can start to have fun.”
Wk8: Furious Samp lose leadership Sampdoria had penalty shouts denied in their 1-1 draw at Lazio, so Inter go clear. Walter Mazzarri wins his Napoli debut with shocks in Udine and Verona. Reports
Highlights: Stunning strikes Dejan Stankovic scores from the centre-circle and Daniele Dessena's overhead kick rivals him for goal of the week, but there's controversy for Samp. Watch
