Luciano Spalletti hailed Lorenzo Insigne for stepping up and taking the second penalty against Venezia after missing the first. ‘He proved what it means to wear the Napoli armband.’

It was not the debut the new coach wanted, as Victor Osimhen was sent off after 23 minutes for striking Daan Heymans, then Insigne missed a penalty.

However, Insigne did convert another spot-kick and Eljif Elmas secured the 2-0 result at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Napoli 2-0 Venezia: Insigne and Osimhen errors not too costly

“We started slow in the first half, Venezia did well and Paolo Zanetti had organised the gameplan forcing us to move the ball wide, so they’d go on the counter,” Spalletti told DAZN.

“We were more efficient after the break and the captain, at his second penalty, proved what it means to wear such an important armband. In the most difficult moments, that is when the captain comes through and shows you how it’s done.”

Insigne’s future at Napoli remains absolutely uncertain, as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season and negotiations for an extension are practically non-existent.

“Players like him help those next to them mature and get stronger. With his attitude, the others follow that example. He earned the right to wear that captain’s armband and must be praised, although I never had any doubts.

“He also did well to call on the crowd to keep supporting us, because their presence can really give the team a hand during difficult moment.”

In yesterday’s press conference, Spalletti had said ‘it’s good to be us’ and he reiterates that after this 2-0 win.

“We are lacking nothing and we cannot complain. If you complain, it means you are entering into someone else’s plan, you are destined to carry the can for others and we don’t want to do that.

“We want our identity and our strength.”

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