Napoli kept their position at the top of the table following a sixth consecutive victory in the league.

The 5-1 success over Empoli was very important considering that Juventus had also managed a win from their match. The difference between the two teams is only two points at the top of the table. Napoli are the unlikely candidate for the league title whereas Juventus remain the strong favourites after having won the title for the past four seasons. Maurizio Sarri has masterminded the title challenge from the underdogs and he believes that there is no pressure from Juventus.

Despite having been top of the table for much of the season,Sarri has identified a few key positions where the team has been lacking when comparison with the other title rivals. He says that Napoli solidarity in defence should be improved compared to Juventus, who have been looking faultless in this position. Even when considering the poor start to the season, Juventus have conceded less than one goal per game. They have let in 15 goals in the 22 league matches whereas Napoli have conceded four more during this period. Sarri’s team, though, have fared better when it comes to scoring goals with striker Gonzalo Higuain contributing a major chunk.

“It’s right that the San Paolo expects a victory, as they help us to get over difficult situations, but the problem was trying to overcome an excellent Empoli side.We are happy with the performance, with how the team emerged from the situation and we didn’t feel any pressure from the Juventus result. Juve are having their own campaign, we just happen to be nearby. We are aiming to go forward and if we look too far towards the horizon then our chances of doing well diminish,” said the Napoli manager.