Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri has said that his side's success in cup competition contributed to what was a difficult league campaign.
Mazzari, whose side face Serie A champions Juventus in the Coppa Italia final this weekend, insists that Napoli would have at least finished in third place in the league if not for a crowded schedule.
"For the first time, my team has been playing in the Champions League," he told reporters.
"I am convinced that if we had not competed on three fronts this season, we would be at least 13 points higher in the standings."
Mazzarri's side take on Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
