Rafa Benitez gave “credit” to Inter for the comeback, but acknowledged Napoli went off the boil after going 2-0 up.
The Partenopei again fumbled a lead, from 2-0 to 2-2, and wasted the chance to close on second-placed Roma.
If Lazio beat Fiorentina tomorrow night, they will catch Napoli in third place.
“We played a great game up until going 2-0 up against an Inter side with great players who can make the difference,” Benitez told Mediaset Premium.
Rafa Benitez gave “credit” to Inter for the comeback, but acknowledged Napoli went off the boil after going 2-0 up.
The Partenopei again fumbled a lead, from 2-0 to 2-2, and wasted the chance to close on second-placed Roma.
If Lazio beat Fiorentina tomorrow night, they will catch Napoli in third place.
“We played a great game up until going 2-0 up against an Inter side with great players who can make the difference,” Benitez told Mediaset Premium.
“The team gave its all on the field. The intensity and the style of football was something we want to see in the next few games too.
“We had the match in hand and created so many chances, but didn’t make the most of them. Inter got back into it and then made the most of that penalty, an incident where we were unlucky.
“We have to give credit to Inter, as at that stage they had nothing to lose and really went for it.
“We created many scoring opportunities and didn’t take them, so we paid for that.”
Gokhan Inler had been repeatedly dropped, but put in a strong performance when replacing injured Walter Gargano.
“Inler proved he is a great player and a fantastic professional. He’s working well and it showed tonight. Last season was his best for Napoli, while this year he lost space because Walter Gargano and Diego Lopez have done well. The same goes for Jorginho.”
The Coach was asked why he had again left Manolo Gabbiadini on the bench.
“With three games in a row, the fitness levels will drop. He was accustomed to Sampdoria, who play only once per week, so needs to get used to it.”
Now the Partenopei go into the Europa League, but are also in the Coppa Italia semi-final. Which would he rather win?
“That’s like asking if you love your mother or your father more.”
As always, Benitez was asked when he will decide if he’ll stay with Napoli for another year.
“In April. I don’t know when precisely.”
There is bound to be more controversy, as Benitez and all the Napoli players announced they would not speak to Sky Sport Italia.
This was a specific ban on one television station, apparently dictated by President Aurelio De Laurentiis.
There was a tense interview with Benitez on Sky last week after the defeat to Torino, where he gave monosyllabic answers.