Carlo Ancelotti has hit out at Napoli’s ‘sluggish’ performance during their Serie A defeat to Juventus on Saturday.
The Italian giants were beaten 3-1 by the league leaders in their final game before Wednesday’s Champions League group stage clash with Liverpool.
A 10th minute opener from the visitors’ Dries Martin was later cancelled out by a Mario Mandzukic’s brace and a 76th minute goal from defender Leonardo Bonucci.
Mario Rui’s sending off in the 58th minute proved a contributing factor as Napoli went in search of an equaliser in the second half.
Discussing his side’s display, Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia: “I was angry at my team because we started strong and took the lead, but then started getting sluggish and allowed Juventus to regain their confidence.”
“It was overall a good performance. We need to improve in terms of character, consistency and experience, but we did well even when down to 10 men.”
SEE MORE:
Martin Keown loves the ‘arrogance’ of one Liverpool star
Napoli will now host Jurgen Klopp’s side in Naples in what they will deem a vital matchup on the back of their goalless draw with Red Star Belgrade.
Ancelotti’s men were given a ruthless insight into the Reds’ attacking potency when they were thrashed 5-0 during a pre-season clash in Dublin back in August.
Liverpool meanwhile enter the contest full of confidence after securing an excellent point against Chelsea on Stamford Bridge, adding to the early European advantage they recently garnered for themselves with a dramatic 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain.