Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri played down an irritated Dries Mertens after their 4-1 rout of Fiorentina.
Mertens bagged a brace, taking him up to 27 Serie A goals, but was irritated when substituted.
Sarri said, “In all honesty, I didn't know how many goals Mertens had scored, otherwise I might've left him on a little longer. Having said that, I cannot put a personal objective in front of the team's requirements. Whether he wins the Capocannoniere title or not, he has had an amazing season.
“He wasn't even a centre-forward until October, but scored 27 Serie A goals and 33 overall. Pavoletti hadn't played in a long time and it was right he get a chance.
“I remember when I first told Mertens to be a centre-forward, I said if he really settled into the role, he could score 20 goals. He went beyond my rosiest expectations."