Napoli boss, Maurizio Sarri, has conceded that despite his side's blistering 2-1 victory over league leaders Fiorentina, Napoli have to remain grounded.

Second-half strikes from Lorenzo Insigne and Gonzalo Higuain propelled Sarri's side to within three points of their opponents at the top of the table.

Praises team spirit

Napoli were dealt a killer blow when Nikola Kalinic cancelled out Insigne's opener, but the ex-Empoli boss praised his side's togetherness as they restored their advantage minutes later.

"We were unlucky on the equaliser, as it was against the run of play," he told Sky Italia. "But we showed our own confidence by believing and fighting back for the victory."

He did, however, lament his side's slow start to proceedings, though conceded that Fiorentina are a "strong side" who love to retain possession.

Quashes title talk

When quizzed about his side's title credentials, the manager said: "It’s a marathon of 38km and we’re only 8km in, so anyone who thinks he’s already won after 8km is mad."

Sarri also showered his captain, Marek Hamsik, in praise, reaffirming his belief that the Slovakian is "one of the best midfielder's in Europe right now". 

Commends work ethic

“I don’t know if all champions are like this or I was fortunate enough to start with a group that was so eager to get to work," said Sarri when asked about the attitude of the players upon his arrival. "They’ve always been very open to changes and I have seen no difference between training champions and regular players."

A former banker who quit his day job in 2000 to pursue a career in management in the Interregionale league, Sarri added that it was "a mad decision" and that, if his family had vetoed his wish, he would never have seeked a career coaching in the lower leagues.

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Craig Vickers
Milk, honey and Andy Murray. Email: craigvickers1998[at]outlook.com