Juan Jesus insists Napoli ‘could’ve won’ away to Inter and proved they are ‘still the Champions of Italy,’ but forgives defender Francesco Acerbi for allegedly using a racist term.
It was a rough week for both these sides, as they crashed out of the Champions League to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona respectively, leaving only Serie A to focus on.
The Nerazzurri had taken the lead with Matteo Darmian at the end of a well-worked move, but Juan Jesus was ready to nod in the corner at the back post after an Alessandro Bastoni flick.
“It was a good game, we were the only team who played in the second half, so a draw is the least we could get and frankly we could’ve won,” Juan Jesus told DAZN following the 1-1 draw.
“This shows the strength of this team, as until at least June 1 we are the Champions of Italy.”
They are in the running for a Champions League spot, as with the expanded tournament and Italy likely to get a fifth place, Napoli are just six points off Roma.
“Of course we believe, because as long as it is mathematically possible, we must dream. There are also a lot of head-to-head fixtures still to be played, so that gives us an edge.”
Acerbi was having arguments with both Giacomo Raspadori and Juan Jesus throughout the match, but they seemed to hug and make up near the end.
“What happens on the field, stays on the field. He apologised and we can move on. When the referee blows the whistle, it is all behind us.
“I know that Acerbi is a good lad and he apologised because he realised that he had gone a bit over the top with some words. He is an intelligent guy, so I hope he learns from it and won’t do it again.”
Juan Jesus was caught on camera telling the referee that Acerbi “called me a n***o.”
It is particularly galling that this should happen on the weekend when all the Serie A coaches and players have ‘Keep Racism Out’ stickers.
🔥#JUANJESUS SI SFOGA CON L'ARBITRO NEI CONFRONTI DI #ACERBI
👀Il difensore del #Napoli, durante #InterNapoli, ha parlato così al direttore di gara #Lapenna e, nel finale, ha affermato:
"Quello che succede in campo rimane in campo, Acerbi poi si è scusato e quando l'arbitro… pic.twitter.com/vZBSfKV6OV
— calciomercato.it (@calciomercatoit) March 17, 2024