A ‘very disappointed’ Luciano Spalletti admits Napoli had less quality than usual against Cremonese.
The Serie A leaders faced Coppa Italia exit on penalties last night at the hands of Cremonese, the only team with no victories in league games this term.
The Grigiorossi had replaced their coach Massimiliano Alvini with Davide Ballardini only 48 hours prior to kick-off.
“We are upset and really disappointed,” Spalletti told Mediaset.
The Italian tactician had rotated massively, initially leaving Victor Osimhen on the bench, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wasn’t even available due to flu.
Cremonese took the lead through Charles Pickel at minute 18, but Napoli’s reaction was quick, with Juan Jesus and Giovanni Simeone scoring in the space of three minutes. Former Roma striker Felix Afena Gyan shocked the Stadio Maradona at minute 87, sending the game to extra time when Leonardo Sernicola was sent off, and penalties.
“We must handle the ball well and we were not as good as we usually are,” admitted Spalletti.
“We wasted a few possessions, but generally, we were in a safe condition. We conceded the equaliser randomly and we missed other chances during extra time. Even when you are one man up, it becomes more complicated when you lose control.
“If we don’t produce the same quality standards, anything can happen. We are out because we were below our means,” continued the coach.
“Tiredness and hustle also emerged and our opponents were perfect from the spot, so we have to congratulate them.”
So now it is only Inter that can win the trible this season and for Inter the great record of being the only trible winner stays for another season.