Luciano Spalletti admits Napoli are ‘uncertain on what attitude to have’ at their 1-1 draw with Inter, as it feels like a missed opportunity. ‘We are happy, but didn’t show all we could’ve done.’
The Partenopei had the opportunity to go top of the table with a victory and took an early lead through Lorenzo Insigne’s penalty, before Piotr Zielinski hit the upright.
Despite dominating the first half, they failed to capitalise and were caught out by Edin Dzeko within 30 seconds of the restart, changing the momentum.
Serie A | Napoli 1-1 Inter: Dzeko keeps it honours even in Naples
This could be seen as a real missed opportunity, especially after losing 3-2 at San Siro back in October, because Milan would leapfrog them both tomorrow if they beat Sampdoria.
“We must maintain this lightness of touch, this joy with our quality. At times we maintained it, at times we didn’t, and when that happens, the more ferocious and powerful team will come out on top,” Spalletti told DAZN.
“We have to bring the game onto our own characteristics in order to win it. We didn’t, we conceded that equaliser and it all became more difficult from there.”
How did Napoli try to neutralise Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic or the two attacking wing-backs?
“Any 4-2-3-1 against two box-to-box wing-backs like Inter needs to include the full-backs in the defending when they are higher, or the midfielder when they are getting there.
“My team had the right approach for long periods tonight, we could’ve done better in some situations. We conceded the goal when they made the most of that strength and won back the ball. When we don’t control the ball, it becomes tougher for us.”
Spalletti was asked if this represented a missed opportunity for Napoli, especially as they had taken the lead so early.
“We must accept what we see on the pitch and these games do teach us lessons in order to improve going forward. It was generally a very good performance, we had so many chances to get a second goal, but not taking those opportunities, we were unable to maintain that control and Inter’s physicality broke through.
“I am very happy with this point and the performance, because overall we played well, even if we didn’t do that much in the second half and still had some really big chances.
“You grow from games like this, as it’s experience that helps you to learn and improve against a really solid Inter side.”
Napoli are still in the Scudetto race and next up face Barcelona in the Europa League play-off.
“These are wonderful games that are worth playing with the posture of a strong team, with chests puffed out and hopefully maintaining that intensity and talent for the full 90 minutes. Venezia, Inter, Barcelona, it’s all about seeing what our level is, our desire to go beyond our limitations,” added Spalletti.
“The players are in the locker room, we are happy yes, but didn’t show all that we could’ve done. That is the regret. There is some uncertainty really on what attitude to have at this result.”
The coach had some more advice for Napoli striker Osimhen, who was a constant thorn in the side of Inter’s defence, but perhaps had more enthusiasm than clinical edge.
“He has incredible potential. At times he gets a bit isolated from the squad, as he goes one against 11 and doesn’t realise the team isn’t following him. I’ve told him to make these runs to the corner flag at the right time, because he tires himself out with those runs.
“He is strong physically, has pace, is good in the air, can shoot well. He lacks experience, but he needs to learn when to make the run and when to hold back, as that can end up isolating him from the rest of the team.”