Napoli target Coppa Italia glory

Walter Mazzarri has declared Napoli’s intention to win the Coppa Italia following Tuesday’s victory over Bologna.

Napoli trumped Bologna 2-1 at the Stadio Sao Paolo to set up a quarter-final meeting with resurgent Inter Milan.

Algeria international Hassan Yebda and Argentina forward Ezequiel Lavezzi combined to put Napoli two goals ahead in the first half, before Inter youth product Riccardo Meggiorini pulled one back for Bologna from the penalty spot 10 minutes after the break.

Speaking after the match, Mazzarri said he was pleased by the energy and enthusiasm shown by his side but disappointed by Emilson Cribari’s foul on Meggiorini that gifted Bologna their only goal.

“We wanted to do well this evening,” Mazzarri told RAI Sport.

“We intend to do well in this competition – and all the others.”

“I decided to play a team that was more rested, knowing how much energy my players had. And our start to the match reflected this.”

“We pressed a lot and constructed many chances until we scored our two goals. Once we had the lead, we relaxed a little, and this was my only gripe from the match.”

Mazzarri’s men host Leonardo’s Inter next Tuesday, with the winner assured of a trip to the semi-finals.