Sassuolo 'tough' for Italian league leaders Napoli: Sarri

"Everyone laughed earlier this season when I said Sassuolo have the potential to finish in fifth or sixth place, but they are a really strong side," Sarri told media on Friday.

"Even if we play to our full potential, it will be a really tough game for us."

Goals by Antonio Floro Flores and Nicola Sansone cancelled out Marek Hamsik's third-minute opener for Napoli on the opening day of the season as Sassuolo claimed a shock 2-1 win at their Mapei Stadium.

The setback was just one in a series that led Napoli legend Diego Maradona to publicly lambast Sarri for a poor start after he had succeeded Rafael Benitez during the summer.

Since then, Maradona has had time to change his tune. 

Napoli have suffered just one more defeat -- away to Bologna last month -- and head into the second half of the campaign with a two-point lead on champions Juventus and fellow title-challengers Inter Milan.

Yet the Azzurri are well aware of Sassuolo's giant-killing potential. They have beaten Napoli, Juventus and Inter and drawn with Fiorentina and Roma.

For Sarri, there is a simple explanation: "We weren't really in top form when we played Sassuolo the last time, whereas they are a team that have been playing together for several years."

Playing at the San Paolo on Saturday night, however, should give Napoli wings.

Virtually the entire city is behind Sarri and his team after they finished the first half of the season top of the table for the first time since Maradona led them to their second title in 1990.

Sarri added: "The enthusiasm is a positive and productive factor, and is totally different from the euphoria you get through superficial things.

"For us, it's great. It gives the lads extra motivation to work even harder in training."

Maradona recently said he would "arrive in Napoli by helicopter" if they claimed the Serie A title this season.

Sarri admitted he was "happy" with the Argentine football legend's support, but said: "I already felt honoured when he spoke of me before. I hope he comes to Naples no matter how well we do.

"I've been a big fan of his since I was a child and I'd love to give him a massive hug."