Napoli boss Benitez wary of Sassuolo threat
Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has warned his side not to take Sassuolo lightly in their Serie A clash on Sunday.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DVvuPcQv8kkBmze9wcPYXG.jpg)
Benitez, whose side sit third in the table, saw his charges move into the final of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday with a 5-3 aggregate win over Roma.
The Italian does not want his charges to let up in their quest to reel in second-placed Roma, with four points currently separating the two.
And he knows that Napoli will need to stave off complacency if they are to avoid an upset against relegation-threatened Sassuolo.
"The players know that against Sassuolo we have the opportunity to continue our battle for second place and make a step forward. It will be a very important game for us," Benitez said.
Alberto Malesani has lost both games since taking charge at the Stadio Citta del Tricolore last month, going down to Verona and Inter.
Benitez is expecting a close game as Sassuolo look to move out of the drop zone after the sides drew 1-1 in September's reverse fixture.
"Sassuolo have changed with a new coach. Back then they were a joyful team who liked to play openly, whereas now they are more focused on getting a result," he continued.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"We also know a coach is never satisfied, so I expect improvements even after our fine performance against Roma."
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack