Mazzarri encouraged by Napoli form

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has urged his side to stay on track following Sunday’s 3-1 victory at Palermo.

Goals from Goran Pandev, Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik in the opening hour gave Napoli a comfortable victory over the Sicilian side, who only managed to reduce the deficit one minute before stoppage time, through Fabrizio Miccoli.

The victory sees Napoli remain in close pursuit of the top Serie A places, and Mazzarri admitted his side have been faring a lot better since the Champions League group stage came to an end.

“We are not thinking about (catching up with) anyone, we still must grow,” he told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

“This season, the Champions League took a lot of energy out of us. Until we were 2-0 up there were risks of Palermo scoring.”

“We must be more alert in defence and now we have to keep going.”

“In the last two years we have done something extraordinary. This team has grown in just two years, do not forget that two years ago, we were 15th after seven matches.”