Luciano Spalletti wants Napoli fans and the media to ‘give credit’ for their Champions League qualification after beating Torino to consolidate third place.
The Partenopei were made to sweat for their three points in Turin, as after Etrit Berisha parried Lorenzo Insigne’s penalty, Fabian Ruiz pounced on a poor Tommaso Pobega error in midfield to score the winner.
“I liked the press today, particularly Insigne, who was tripling up in the build-up to the goal,” Spalletti told DAZN.
“We wanted to leave more room to David Ospina to help build out from the back, because Toro tried to match us man for man all over the field. We still need to improve, but we moved the ball around better after the restart.”
Insigne now has only two games left to play in the Napoli jersey before the captain and homegrown hero goes to start a new MLS experience with Toronto FC, so will be disappointed to miss his fourth Serie A penalty of the season.
“He took on the responsibility of the penalty that many others wouldn’t want. He just needs to relax, his decision is to be accepted and it’s not easy for us losing a player of his level. He can play anywhere with his head held high.”
Napoli had hoped to still be in the running for the Scudetto, but at least they have consolidated third place by going four points clear of Juventus.
Before the game, Spalletti joked that “evidently you have doubts, so let me know” about his future at the club, seeing as reporters continually ask him about it.
“We need to end the season well, make these final games special and get everyone involved. We achieved a huge objective of Champions League qualification and some people don’t seem to understand that. Credit should be given for what we’ve done this season, without only thinking about the future.”
.@sscnapoli | Le parole di Luciano #Spalletti al termine della gara vinta contro il @TorinoFC_1906https://t.co/h9qSJySXmb
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) May 7, 2022
The season was a success, but also a disappointment. Napoli once again showed the mental fragility under pressure that has been their curse for many years. Still, the team showed it can now “win ugly”, and its qualification for the Champions League after two years away makes the season a success, although a qualified one. Let’s see who stays, who leaves, and who arrives and hope for an even better season next year.
Forza Napoli sempre!
They’ll be out of the group stages like every year. Useless meaningless club.
Haters gonna hate.
Waste of a CL spot
Hey Joel, I love that they got a spot just to consume the haters and let them waste their time hating
Napoli is An example for all italian teams….they have such a great policy keepi g Brooks in checks and spending less on transfers and salaries Them northern clubs i am from Holland and Just love Napoli sice Maradona played there what a support tehy have and that old stadium San Paolo Just wonderfull they are up there in Europa……Forza Napoli Sempre
Haters go get a life.
Spalletti only failure this season was not playing Mertens more often as he has done recently. Injuries were costly and losses to Empoli and Fiorentina were inexcusable but thats the game. Napoli does need that player to get them over the hump, a Theo Hernandez type of leader on the pitch with a rugged approach who refuses to lose. That said,more defensive depth is there greatest need but credit must be given to Spalletti for improving tactics and mentality during a tough season. If the haters dislike Napoli in CL and seek disappointment and failure look to the “vecchia signora”up north, the wealthiest team in Italy.