Lazio manager Stefano Pioli has claimed that his side did not deserve to be beaten in their Serie A clash against Napoli this afternoon.

A goal from Gonzalo Higuain gave Napoli a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Olimpico, but Pioli was adamant that his side played the better football.

"We worked very hard and basically were the only team playing," Pioli told Sky Sport Italia. "Napoli made the most of one chance in the first half and from then on they were able to sit back and wait for a counter-attack.

"We created several chances and it's a shame, because even with so many players missing we didn't deserve to lose today.

"So far we have received compliments for our performances, but today the only thing missing was the result. In terms of technique it wasn't our best match, as we need to be more precise in our passing."

Lazio will return to league action next Saturday with a home match against AC Milan.