Mazzarri rues missed chance

Despite coming from 3-1 down to snatch a draw, Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri was disappointed his side could not win in the Europa League on Thursday.

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani struck a vital hat-trick for Mazzarri’s men in the 3-3 draw at Utrecht, with two second-half goals gaining a point for Napoli.

But Mazzarri insisted he was disappointed, believing his side let a chance to qualify for the knockout stage slip.

“I am bitterly disappointed because we threw away a very important chance,” Mazzarri said afterwards.

“We made some mistakes in defence and have to be more careful when it comes to details. Our other big fault is that we create so many chances and don’t take them.”

The result sees Utrecht and Napoli both sit on four points after five games, two behind second-placed Steaua Bucharest who are on six.

Liverpool top the group on nine points and will finish first, meaning that Napoli must beat Steaua on Matchday Six to qualify for the competition’s last 32.

“It’s a great situation for football: reaching the last game, like a Final against Steaua Bucharest in our stadium. We hope to give our fans real joy,” Mazzarri said.