Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain plays down Juventus clash after both sides win again

The Partenopei made history with their eighth consecutive Serie A victory, beating Carpi 1-0 thanks to Higuain's penalty. But Juventus also won, ensuring the two sides remain just two points apart ahead of next weekend's decisive showdown at Juventus Stadium.

“It was a very difficult match against a Carpi side that was all pegged back in defence,” Higuain told Mediaset Premium.

“We worked hard and had patience until we were able to find a breakthrough.”

Defending champions Juve have 14 wins on the bounce, as they surpassed Frosinone 2-0 on Sunday.

“The important thing is to continue pushing and now we have a week to prepare the next game," Higuain added. "We must be calm.

“Juventus is not the most important game of the year, it is just one other match in this tournament.”

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri echoed that sentiment. Goals from Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala sealed the Bianconeri's latest three points.

“It’ll be a fine game, it certainly won’t decide the Scudetto, but we’ll be ready for it. We have important players that Napoli need to worry about too,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium.

“I can only compliment [Napoli boss] Maurizio Sarri, because he’s having a great campaign. It had been many years since Napoli were top of the table like this.

“The lads did well today, but could’ve done better."

Giorgio Chiellini hobbled off with a calf injury and must be a big doubt to face Napoli on Saturday.

“Unfortunately he has a recurring problem with his calf. We have Andrea Barzagli, Daniele Rugani or even Stephan Lichtsteiner who can play at centre-back.”