Champions League: 5 top teams in danger of slipping down into the Europa League

#2 Napoli

Napoli are more focused on Serie A than Champions League

After four games, Napoli find themselves in third place in a group they were expected to qualify from. Eredivisie side Feyenoord were never going to be able to compete in such a competitive group while Shakhtar Donetsk were supposed to be the dark horses.

But one could get a sense that Maurizio Sarri is not taking this competition as seriously as he should. And that is because of one reason only - he is solely focused on the Italian Serie A.

Champions League - Group F

The Gli Azzurri are currently top of Serie A. After a number of seasons where they came close to toppling Juventus, this is their first real shot at league glory since their last title win in 1989/90.

The team selection in games, the Manchester City game at the Etihad for example, suggests Sarri does not have the squad to compete on two fronts. He chose to rest one of his key players in central midfielder Jorginho while Allan has also started just twice in Europe.

Pep Guardiola praised the side, saying: "They are one of the best teams I have ever faced in my career, no doubt about that. Maybe the best."

4 - Napoli have conceded 4 goals in the same match for the first time under Maurizio Sarri. Hit. #NapoliManCity

— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) November 1, 2017

Napoli play a similar game with their high-pressing and relentless attacking football. But it is a strategy that sees the team tire towards the end of matches - especially in a congested schedule. It's one of the main reasons why they have conceded three goals in the last 20 minutes - two in stoppage time - in the group stages.

Their inability to draw games, narrowly losing twice by a one-goal margin, has also affected their chances. But neither the fans nor Sarri will care if they get the chance to lift the Scudetto trophy come May.