Napoli may have been one of Juventus’ main rivals for the Serie A title in recent seasons but Carlo Ancelotti says overtaking the Bianconeri is still a step too far for the Partenopei.
Napoli finished in the top-three under Maurizio Sarri in each of the past three campaigns, ending as runners-up to Juve on two occasions.
Ancelotti replaced Chelsea-bound Sarri ahead of the 2018-19 season and has maintained their position as Juve’s nearest competitors, however they still trail the league leaders by eight points after 17 matches.
And while usurping Italy’s dominant side is a target, Ancelotti does not believe they are ready yet to go one better than Juve, who have won the last seven Scudetti.
“If you want to become [Leo] Messi then your path is influenced by genetics. But you can train every day to be better.
“It’s the same when it comes to the squad. If I say that we have to commit ourselves to beating Juve it’s an objective that’s too far away.
The former Real Madrid coach also admitted a second stint at AC Milan almost materialised after his departure from Bayern Munich last season – the Rossoneri eventually opting for Gennaro Gattuso.
“Twice,” he responded when asked if he had been close to returning to San Siro.
“When I left Real Madrid [Adriano] Galliani came hunting, but I had to recover from a back problem.
“Then another time with [Marco] Fassone there was half an approach after I left Bayern.”