'I made many mistakes' - Pirlo admits defeat in Serie A title race

It would need a miracle for the titleholders to prevent rivals Inter Milan from getting their hands on a first Scudetto in over a decade.

Juventus would now find it “difficult to get to the top” in the Serie A title race, admits Andrea Pirlo saying his side are now focusing on securing Champions League qualification.

Juventus headed into the clash with Napoli carrying the risk of dropping out of the top four, with both teams tied on points.

The Bianconeri, who had been winless in their previous two league outings, were able to get a much-needed win as they beat the Blues 2-1 to rise up to third in the league standings.

A 10th successive Scudetto, regardless, is almost certainly beyond reach for the champions as they find themselves 12 points off the pace with only nine games remaining.

“I made many mistakes, but I’d make them all again,” Pirlo told Sky Italia. “This is my first season, I needed those experiences for the present and the future.

“This was a more complicated campaign not just for me, but for many other coaches too. Everyone makes mistakes, including me, but I can learn from them and not repeat them in the future.

“Our objective now is a top-four finish, because it’s difficult to get to the top. There are 10 games to go, it’s a mini-season we hope to win, and then prepare for the Coppa Italia.”