Soccer: Spalletti regains his smile, sees 'good things'

Luciano Spalletti admits he was more positive after Napoli's 3-0 win at Spezia, especially after the mid-week win over Liverpool.

Napoli extended their Serie A lead to 16 points with a comfortable victory at Spezia.

Victor Osimhen scored twice to take his league tally to 12 this season, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also netted and missed a penalty for the visitors.

The victory came three days after Napoli's impressive 4-1 Champions League last-16 first leg win over Liverpool.

Spalletti felt his side's performance against Spezia was not as good as their showing against Liverpool but was still pleased with the result.

"We played against a team that had lost three games on the spin, so they were going to give it everything they had," Spalletti told DAZN.

"We did well to take an early lead, but then risked losing our way a little bit, which is understandable given the exertions of Tuesday's game.

"I liked the way the team reacted after the break and took control again. We had chances to score more goals but didn't take them.

"I am happy for Osimhen because he has rediscovered his scoring touch and is now playing with the kind of confidence he needs to be a top striker.

"We saw some good things tonight, but we need to keep improving and not get complacent."

Napoli, who have now won 20 of their 23 Serie A matches this season, will host Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on March 15.

They will then return to Serie A action with a trip to Sassuolo on March 19.