Nicolò Barella thanks Inter fans after finally getting his first goal of the season in a dominant 3-0 victory over Napoli, but admits ‘Juventus are the toughest team to play against.’
The Nerazzurri consolidated their leadership and sent a strong message to the rest of Serie A by dominating the reigning champions on their own turf.
Hakan Calhanoglu broke the deadlock with a daisy-cutter from distance, then Barella slalomed between defenders and finally Juan Cuadrado rolled across for the Marcus Thuram tap-in.
“Napoli are Champions of Italy for a reason, they are a very strong team, so it’s natural we had to suffer a bit here. Even then, we proved that we want to do well and are prepared to fight until the end,” Barella told DAZN.
“I can only thank the fans, because in a difficult period for me where things weren’t working, it had never happened before, they kept supporting me, making me feel important. I dedicate this goal to my wife and children.”
There was also an assist for Calhanoglu’s opening goal from outside the penalty area.
“If Calha hadn’t hit it like that, my assist would’ve seemed useless! Goals and assists are always combinations between players. I am glad all our efforts went into the net.”
After crushing Milan 5-1 and Napoli 3-0, but only drawing 1-1 away to Juventus last week, does this mean the title race will be a Derby d’Italia affair?
“There is a very long way to go, we saw all too well how moments can change a season. Juventus are the toughest team to play against, as they close up the spaces and defend well. Napoli were more open and we took advantage of that.”
The victory allows Inter to remain top of the table and keep that two-point advantage over Juve, while Milan consolidate third place.
Roma now catch Napoli in joint fourth on 24 points.
Napoli was a flash in the pan last year.