Giovanni Simeone reveals he was ill before scoring the Napoli winner against Roma and ‘had nothing left’ at the final whistle, but he can celebrate a remarkable family record in Serie A.
The Partenopei found this one of their toughest tests of the entire season, as after a stunning Victor Osimhen strike, Stephan El Shaarawy met Nicola Zalewski’s cross at the back post with the outside of the boot to equalise.
It was the strength in depth that ultimately made the difference, as Cholito Simeone came off the bench and snatched the winner on a Piotr Zielinski assist in the final minutes at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Simeone had also scored the decider against Milan, so is relishing his role as a supersub for the Neapolitans.
“We had a great performance in my view, we should’ve killed it off earlier. We didn’t and when you are against a strong team like Roma, they are going to get chances, but then something incredible happened!” he told DAZN.
“There are great things on and off the field in this team, I think that makes the difference.”
This was Simeone’s fifth goal off the bench this season and at the final whistle he collapsed to the ground in celebration.
“I had a stomach ache and didn’t feel very well today, but I tried to give everything I had. I did the best thing we possibly could today, get the winner. I am so happy.
“When you come off the bench, it’s always difficult for those who need to get straight into the tempo. I tried to do all I could, but I had nothing left!
“These are three important points, but we must continue to fight in every game and continue proving what Napoli can do.”
The Simeone family has now achieved a rather remarkable record of 100 Serie A goals, as Diego scored 30 and his son has now reached 70.
“That’s really nice, I hope with my brothers we can continue this history!”