Rafa Benitez dubbed Gonzalo Higuain “one of the best in the world” after Napoli squeezed past Inter in the Coppa Italia.
The trophy holders are through to the semi-finals against Lazio, but needed penalties to see off 10-man Udinese and tonight waited until the 93rd minute to eliminate Inter.
Rafa Benitez dubbed Gonzalo Higuain “one of the best in the world” after Napoli squeezed past Inter in the Coppa Italia.
The trophy holders are through to the semi-finals against Lazio, but needed penalties to see off 10-man Udinese and tonight waited until the 93rd minute to eliminate Inter.
“Tonight we deserved to win against a top level team,” he told Rai Sport. “Inter have exceptional individuals and deserve to be higher up the Serie A table. Just looking at the bench they ought to be challenging for the Scudetto.
“Was I taking revenge? I’ve faced Inter many times now. Everyone knows what happened there, but now we move on. I am in a club where we work well together and all have a good rapport.”
The decisive goal came from a Faouzi Ghoulam throw-in that took Andrea Ranocchia by surprise.
“Ghoulam has this ability and it’s always an extra option for the team. We spent all week talking on the phone about throw-ins when he was in Africa,” joked Benitez.
“Higuain is a great striker and I think one of the best in the world. I’ve worked with many excellent forwards, including Raul when he was only 16 years old.”
Kalidou Koulibaly was a surprise pick at right-back, but Cristian Maggio was in the stands.
“Maggio had problems with his back this morning and Koulibaly had already played that role in Belgium. He proved himself to be another positive option for the team.”
Napoli have been on sparkling form in 2015, so was their Italian Super Cup victory over Juventus in Doha the turning point?
“It’s possible. Beating such a strong Juventus side always boosts confidence. Ultimately, belief in ourselves does make the difference.”
Benitez is out of contract at the end of the season, but brushed off questions about whether Champions League qualification was a deciding factor on a renewal.
“I have already said we’ll talk in April because there’s plenty of time. I am focused only on the next game.”