Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri has apologized for patronizing comments made to a female journalist after his side's Serie A match on Sunday.

The journalist asked Sarri if Napoli's title hopes had been damaged after drawing with Inter Milan 0-0 coupled with Juventus' victory over Udinese.

Sarri smiled as he replied: "You're a woman, you're beautiful, and I won't tell you to (expletive) off for those two reasons."

The 59-year-old Sarri later telephoned the journalist to apologize.

Juventus could move four points clear of Napoli on Wednesday if it beats Atalanta at home in a match which was rescheduled due to bad weather.