Walter Mazzarri expressed his satisfaction after Napoli overcame Cagliari to return to winning ways at the Stadio Maradona.
Goals by Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia either side of Leonardo Pavoletti's strike were enough to earn a 2-1 victory.
“I'm very pleased with this win – it's a big step forward,” Mazzarri began at his post-match press conference.
“I'm sure this result will help us approach the next match more calmly. When you've been in the game long enough, you know that's how it works.
“We gave away very little tonight. We didn't many any big mistakes and the lads applied themselves really well throughout. Cagliari deserve credit too for coming here and playing aggressively.
“We needed to be more careful after the goal. Having worked so hard to get the opener we shouldn't have lowered our guard like that.
“They found the net with their only half-chance in the second period. We should have scored earlier because we created plenty of openings. That's perhaps the only regret we take away from this game.
“I think I can describe myself as a coach who knows what he's doing. I know we can do better and do some things differently but after winning the title some dangers were to be expected.
On goalscorers Kvara and Osimhen:
“It's important that our footballers are relaxed. Kvara is now a star in the eyes of the world. Everyone's watching him and sometimes he tries a bit too hard to do something special. That's something we need to work on. I'm delighted he and Osimhen both scored as it will help settle them. They're top players who really make the difference over the season.”
