Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has said that Claudio Marchisio's recent comments are a compliment to his team.
The Bianconeri star stated in a recent interview with Corriere della Sera that he holds Partenopei in contempt following heated encounters in the Coppa Italia final and Italian Super Cup final.
The Naples hierarchy released a statement in which they accused the Italian international of a "grave insult", but manager Mazzarri does not see it the same way.
"I did not take Marchisio's comments as offensive," Football Italia quotes Mazzarri as saying.
"In fact, being disliked in football is a compliment.
"In this sport we all want to win and the only teams everyone likes are the ones nobody respects. This means Napoli are respected."
Napoli are currently third in Serie A.
