Mazzarri denies striker rift
05 Nov 2009 - 07:07:39
Napoli head coach Walter Mazzarri has dismissed talk of a rift with striker Fabio Quagliarella.
The 26-year-old Italy international has scored three times in 11 games since his summer arrival from Udinese, but was left on the bench for the 3-2 victory at Juventus last weekend.
However, Mazzarri told NapoliMagazine.com: "Quagliarella proved decisive against Bologna and only missed a penalty at Fiorentina because of a great save from Sebastien Frey.
"He has yet to hit top form and this rest will help him recuperate. Besides, he did very well when he came on.
"He is not sharp and reactive when he sprints, but he will get down to work with the fitness coach, just like the rest of the squad. There is no 'Quagliarella-gate'."