Rafa Benitez said Napoli largely controlled Sampdoria in a 1-1 draw and the referee “had an off day.”
The Partenopei went behind to an Eder solo effort and had Kalidou Koulibaly sent off, but Duvan Zapata’s diving header snatched an equaliser deep into stoppages.
Rafa Benitez said Napoli largely controlled Sampdoria in a 1-1 draw and the referee “had an off day.”
The Partenopei went behind to an Eder solo effort and had Kalidou Koulibaly sent off, but Duvan Zapata’s diving header snatched an equaliser deep into stoppages.
“I think we had two or three clear chances to score in the first half despite not playing particularly well, while in the second half Napoli controlled the game and conceded against the run of play,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“Without talking about incidents, everyone has an off day and we can say someone had an off day today,” said Benitez referring to the referee.
Napoli had two strong penalty appeals for challenges on David Lopez and Raul Albiol.
“Sampdoria pressed us, played a very physical game and it was not easy, but even with 10 men we attacked to score and had more possession.
“The first half performance may well be down to Samp, who pressed us all over the park. The game seemed to be under control until the goal, which I think was avoidable.”
The point means Napoli catch Genoa to go joint third in Serie A, still only one point clear of Sampdoria.
“We lost Michu, Insigne, today Mertens returned and De Guzman still has problems with his neck. The team is unbeaten in 10 games, so in the circumstances I’d call that positive.
“We knew from the start this could be a difficult season. We know our strengths and where we have to improve. I am optimistic for the future, but the team has to look at individual objectives in every game and not look forward to other fixtures or the table.”