Assistant coach Gigi Riccio insisted Napoli deservedly take their place in the draw for the Europa League last 32 after bouncing back from an opening-day defeat to AZ to win Group F.
After losing 1-0 at home to AZ Alkmaar, the Azzurri won three before closing out with two draws to secure top spot.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad, Riccio said: “The lads got their mentality spot on from the off today We needed a big effort to fend off the Spaniards, who came here needing points to book their place in the next round.
"We showed great determination and character. We're happy because we worked hard to get out of this group and I think first place is just reward for our performances over the last few months.
“We must keep up this mentality because we're a very skilful side and we need to be a good team when we don't have the ball too.
“After we lost to AZ, something clicked in the lads' minds and we got ourselves back on track to
earn ourselves this fully deserved qualification for the next round.”
(Photo Getty Images)
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Source: legaseriea.it