Luciano Spalletti explains why Genoa should not complain their goal was disallowed in a 2-1 defeat to Napoli. ‘The striker was looking for contact.’
The Partenopei rode their luck for a 2-1 win at Marassi, especially the Goran Pandev goal harshly disallowed for a nudge on Alex Meret.
“It was a foul, because the cross was over the striker, who turned his back and tried to make contact with the goalkeeper rather than the ball,” Spalletti told DAZN.
“The goalkeeper only drops the ball because he makes contact with the forward, who was looking for the contact and backing into him. It’s a foul, there’s no point trying to deny it. The striker is never getting that ball otherwise.”
With Victor Osimhen suspended and Dries Mertens injured, Napoli used Lorenzo Insigne as a False 9, but it was Andrea Petagna who came off the bench and scored the winner with a centre-forward’s header.
“I am intrigued by Insigne and his ability to cover many different roles. When he went deeper, Elmas and Fabian Ruiz had to push up and attack the space.
“Insigne isn’t like Mertens, who has the quality to run into the space, whereas Lorenzo’s brand is to get it on his feet, turn and run.”
Petagna is reportedly on the verge of a transfer to Sampdoria, although Spalletti did point to his striker and say ‘You’re staying here’ after celebrating the goal.
“Petagna has very clear characteristics, he finishes moves off in the box. My fear is that he might get fed up of being so far down the pecking order and we need to clarify the situation with him.
“There is still a possibility he might leave until the transfer window shuts. I asked if I could use him when needed, he said yes and did what he needed to.
“I can’t say if Petagna will remain at Napoli, he has to make his decisions and the club has to keep the wages down.”