Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri was delighted with victory over Crotone - which has settled them as winter champions.

The 1-0 victory at the Stadio Scida was secured by a Marek Hamsik goal. Napoli have been extraordinary in 2017, the only side in Europe's top five leagues unbeaten on their travels (W18 D2) amassing 96 Serie A points.

“Statistics are worthless. We got 96 points over two different seasons, so we got the ratio wrong. It's a strong run, reaching the Champions League is very important for us, so having 48 points at the midway stage of the season gives us hope," Sarri told Mediaset Premium.

“Dries Mertens just has to relax. He had three assists recently, so he just needs to keep doing what he's doing and the goals will come. He was wonderful against Sampdoria, but there were few spaces tonight. He works hard in defence too, so I don't think he's particularly tired. Having said that, he's been playing a lot and the break is welcome.

“With Arkadiusz Milik out, I never even considered resting Mertens. Even if I had another two strikers available, I'd still only rest Mertens every four or five games."