Mazzarri talks down Europe chances

Walter Mazzarri has refused to discuss possible Champions League qualification despite declaring ‘Napoli are back’.

Napoli defeated Lecce 2-0 on Wednesday to move within one point of third spot on the Serie A table, the final Champions League qualification berth in Italy.

Napoli’s three rivals for third place, Lazio, Udinese and Roma, all lost on Wednesday.

But Mazzarri was not interested in discussing his side’s improved chances of playing in the Champions League next season.

“I didn’t talk about third place before and I’m not going to do it now,” Mazzarri said.

The win on Wednesday was Napoli’s second in succession and Mazzarri was particularly pleased with how his side has defended in the past two games.

“I am happy we have rediscovered our balance and unity,” Mazzarri said.

“In the last two games we have been calmer and kept clean sheets, so this is good news.

“When we feel solid, we are able to avoid those silly errors, even without the ball.

“We have worked hard on positioning from set plays but above all the concentration of the players and it showed against Lecce, who have some very dangerous forwards.

“The Napoli of a month ago is back, able to move the ball around and place vertical passes when necessary.”

Napoli’s next match is away to Roma on Saturday.