Luciano Spalletti tries to look on the bright side and insists the draw with Salernitana just allows Napoli to ‘extend the enjoyment’ before finally clinching the Serie A title.
The stage was set for the Scudetto celebrations, as Inter had fought back to beat Lazio 3-1, so a victory here would mathematically clinch the title.
Mathias Olivera’s header from a corner seemed to get the job done, but Boulaye Dia scored a shock equaliser for Salernitana to silence the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
After 33 years, Napoli fans will have to wait for a few more days to enjoy their third Scudetto.
“Clearly, the lads are so disappointed they couldn’t give this joy to the marvellous crowd, but we’ve sensed for a while these are the most difficult points on a psychological level and they take something from you.
“Salernitana are organised, clammed up in defence, which made it more difficult, and then we were a little naïve on the goal we conceded,” Spalletti told DAZN.
“Even if by chance we should win, it’ll give me more pleasure to see the people celebrate, because we sense the affection loud and clear in our ears and minds. We represent their dream, so consequently it is only right they feel that dream.
“We wanted that extra goal to give to them. As far as I am concerned, this just extends the enjoyment, as I am not uncomfortable being in this position at the top of the table. It just carries on the celebration a little longer, as I am convinced we’ll get those two points.”
The title will go to Napoli in the midweek round if they are able to beat Udinese.
Even a draw could be enough, but only if Bologna fail to beat Juventus this evening or Lazio don’t get three points against Sassuolo.
“All those who love this sport will have a boost of enthusiasm if Napoli win the Scudetto. It will be something that pleases everyone who loves the sport, apart from those who are a bit mean.”
Nobody expected Napoli to even get into the top four this season, yet they are on the verge of winning the title and reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
“I cannot take credit, I pass it on to these lads, because they always did what was asked of them, they were determined to become a group of friends, a team. Those were the thoughts today as well, to create the chances for our teammates, to run harder to help them defend, and acting as a collective is what gives us strength.
“Anyone who comes to wear this jersey, with the history of the club and the coaches and players who have been through here, there is no escaping it, you have to win the title in order to walk with head held high. Otherwise, it is only a partial achievement.”
Spalletti never loses his sense of humour, even after a setback like this and when asked if Napoli struggle to break down defensive teams.
“There is only one way to avoid criticism in this sport and that is to avoid being a coach. Don’t worry, there are professional hitmen on roofs waiting to shoot at you!
“It’s not a problem for me, you do what you need to do and the only objective is to finish on top. When you have games like today, you need to play it more behind their defence. If they are pinned back, there are still 10 yards or so to the touchline and that is the space to find and pull back from.
“We are currently lacking the sharpness and quality that we had earlier in the season, because just like a marathon, the final kilometre is the toughest.
“Our second half started much better, we’d get midfielders to the corner flag to find the strikers, the aggression of winning back the ball and attacking is what builds the atmosphere and the self-confidence. When you keep playing to feet, it can become a little boring, whereas a challenge in the air or a bouncing ball that could go anywhere and you fight to get it, that can inspire everyone.”