Maurizio Sarri said Napoli “have been good, but we want to be extraordinary” by beating Torino to secure second place.

It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“The next two games are of equal importance, as they are both worth three points,” warned the Coach in his Press conference.

Maurizio Sarri said Napoli “have been good, but we want to be extraordinary” by beating Torino to secure second place.

It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.

“The next two games are of equal importance, as they are both worth three points,” warned the Coach in his Press conference.

“They are decisive games for second place, which is not worth the entirety of our season. We have been good, but we want to be extraordinary.

“The team is in good shape physically, while psychologically there is some fatigue, as the lads have played so many games this season.

“In terms of our football, we are right up there. We’ve had more average possession than any other side, including Fiorentina, and are at the top when it comes to many other statistics too.

“That all means we are playing great football, but lack that little bit extra in terms of mentality. We are improving, but there are still blackouts in defence and we saw them against the big clubs.”

Napoli have struggled in the big games, losing in the final minute to both Juventus and Roma.

“There are events that can boost or sap enthusiasm, that’s obvious. It would’ve been a very different season if, for instance, we had scored at the 89th minute in Turin.

“You have to accept and deal with these situations. Our defeat to Roma was also unlucky and undeserved. Having said that, it’s not that we want to win against Torino tomorrow: we have to!

“Torino are a fine team with a great Coach, one of the best tacticians currently in circulation. The squad is worth more than their current position in the table. They are highly motivated and showed that against Udinese, so we have to make sure we’re even more motivated.”

Gonzalo Higuain has got the Capocannoniere crown locked down, but can target the all-time top scorer record for a single Serie A season.

“If he has individual objectives, then I’m very happy, but at this moment that is the last of my concerns. I am focused only on the team and all our energy has to be aimed towards the collective objective.”

Sarri was asked about the debate over so-called Cholismo, the defensive tactics used by Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid.

“This is the history of football and it was all like that until the 1980s. There are days when it all goes well and you can win in football by any means necessary, but then everyone has to follow their own ideas and concept of both football and life.

“If my teams played just to defend and counter, I’d walk away after 30 rounds. I just wouldn’t enjoy myself.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tickets Kit Collector