Following a ruthless attacking display at the Giovanni Zini stadium, Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti provided his insight to the press on the Partenopei’s 4-1 victory over Cremonese within match-week nine of the Serie A.
Despite the fixture seeming very one-sided on paper, the match was far more complex than anticipated for Spalletti’s side as Cyriel Dessers found the equalizer shortly after the start of the second half as he tucked in the Argentinian midfielder Santiago Ascacibar’s brilliant pass in-behind into the back of the net, cancelling out Matteo Politano’s opener from the spot.
However, Napoli showcased their quality within the front-line as the super-sub Giovanni Simeone scored a thunderous header from Mario Rui’s impressive delivery to restore the lead for the Azzurri.
In the end, Napoli’s swift counter-attacking style of play was far too much for Massimiliano Alvini’s side to handle as Hirving Lozano and Mathias Olivera each scored a goal two minutes apart within the dying minutes of the game in order to seal three vital points.
In an interview with DAZN, Spalletti expressed his thoughts on Napoli’s overall performance in this evening’s fixture:
“This was not an easy game for us, as they got the equaliser and it was difficult from there, because it became a battle on a level that is not suited to our characteristics.
“We were unable to get the second ball often enough and it became a match we were not accustomed to. However, the team never lots their heads, so in the end our approach was rewarded.
“Simeone scored a great goal, but it was difficult today. Cremonese do not deserve their current position in the table, so they ought to be congratulated on their performance today.
“I get the feeling this team never lets the intensity levels drop, which is why they wear the Napoli jersey. The intention is always the same, go all the way and give your all. It becomes easier for a coach when dealing with lads like these.”
As it stands, Napoli currently are the league-leaders with a total of 23 points, two points clear of Atalanta. In addition, Spalletti’s men are presently unbeaten in eight consecutive games across all competitions, their greatest unbeaten run thus far within their history.