Massimiliano Allegri is not buying into the idea that Juventus are a team in crisis, warning that they are an excellent side determined to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Genoa.
The coach was addressing the media ahead of Sunday's visit to Allianz Stadium.
"Tomorrow will be a great game to watch but it will also be very difficult,” he explained. “Juve will be smarting. We'll need both grit and skill.
“It's a head-to-head between two teams who are both lagging a bit behind at the moment and looking to climb the table. The media are saying Juventus are dead but I know what the club is like and I know Juve never die. When the going gets tough, everyone pulls together. It's going to be a very difficult game.
“Juventus are a team that's been put together with the aim of finishing in the top four. They're going to be hurt and angry. We're set on improving our league position but it won't be easy because the team we're playing is not the one that's being described – they're an excellent outfit.
“We've been scoring a lot recently but we've also been conceding a lot. That means we need to work on our balance and our ball management. We must improve our shape and our play at both ends of the pitch.
“Matches against Juve are a big thing in Naples but it's not just about the rivalry and this game. Our aim is to finish in the top four – though it won't be easy considering our competition – and to go far in the Champions League. We can't think we only need to win this head-to-head to be happy.
“Napoli have reached a high level after winning two league titles in recent years and our priority must be to climb the table.”
