Mazzarri plays down expectations

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri claims that it will be difficult for his side to replicate the heroics of 2010-11.

The Naples outfit finished third in Italy’s Serie A last season, qualifying for the Champions League and entertaining their fans with attacking football along the way.

Despite this, the manager feels a similar finish this term will be hard to achieve given the quality of the other title contenders.

“It will not be easy to repeat last season’s extraordinary efforts, but that does not mean that we will not try,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“The extraordinary can become ordinary, and we will try to improve on the placement of last season. On paper, AC Milan, Inter and Juventus are ahead of us.”

Napoli have brought in the likes of Gokhan Inler and Goran Pandev over the summer, but the side’s boss is trying to keep expectations in check.

“I am absolutely satisfied with what has been done in the transfer market by my club, but now I do not want to create excessive expectations on the team,” he said.

“Napoli also have three commitments, in the league, Champions League, and cup. The participation in the top European club competition threatens to steal precious energy.”

Mazzarri’s team start their Serie A campaign on Saturday with an away fixture against Cesena, before taking on Manchester City in the Champions League at Eastlands on Wednesday.