Napoli’s unbeaten run over the last ten matches came to an end on Sunday when the Azzurri faced defeat at Como. The game started with an own goal by Amir Rrahmani, but soon after Jack Raspadori found the equaliser - his second goal in two matches. Como took the lead in the 77th minute with a strike by Assane Diao.
Here’s Antonio Conte’s analysis of the match:
“I liked the first half because we reacted well after the goal and took control of the match. The questions we have to ask ourselves are about our performance in the second half. A different team came on the pitch in the second half, a more submissive team with less intensity compared to the first 45 minutes.
“We need to analyse what didn’t work after the break. I’m disappointed with how it went but I need to work on the mental aspect as I’m the coach and the person who is ultimately responsible. Maybe we lost some of that hunger or aggressiveness, but we can’t mope around because these players deserve some credit for the season we’re having.
“It’s a setback that stings because we’ve started to see some cracks at a psychological level. The lads are giving their all but we also have to keep pushing forward and give ourselves enough time to grow.
“Being at the top of the table has probably put some unexpected pressure on us. Now we need to look ahead, reflect on everything and work to improve.
“We’re having an incredible season. We need to stay focused and not push it too much. But at the moment the lads are having a great season and we want to continue along that path.”
Leonardo Spinazzola also commented on the game:
“In the first half we did well. We were calm, even after the unfortunate own goal, and we got the match under control. Unfortunately, in the second half, we lost intensity, lost some of our mental strength and lost some one-on-ones.
“There have been a few games recently where we haven’t performed as we did in previous matches. It’s a difficult moment and we’re getting punished by little mistakes but today was different to the last three draws. Como were faster and more intense than us in the second half.
“We shouldn’t be discouraged though. We know we’re having a great season. We know our worth and we’re aware that there’s still quite a while until the end of the season.
“Tomorrow we’ll go to training and reflect on this match and prepare for the game on Saturday against Inter. A point doesn’t change much at the moment. We need to continue on this path and work to grow and give our all until the end.”
After scoring his second goal in two games, here’s what Jack Raspadori had to say about the match:
“I don’t know if we lost our mental or physical strength, but at this level you pay for any drop in performance. We need to do some self-examination and understand what didn’t go well today.
“Of course, to stay at the top, we need better performances than the one we put on in the second half today. It’s not the time to lose faith or become demoralised. Now we need to prepare for Saturday's game and work intensely to bounce back straight away.
“We’re really disappointed with today but the league goes on and there’s still a long way to go for everyone. We need to know our worth and get back in the right state to continue on the path we’ve taken so far.”
COMO: Butez; Smolcic, Goldaniga, Kempf, Valle, Da Cunha (Engelhardt, 81), Perrone, Caqueret (Cutrone, 72), Strefezza (Vojvoda, 90), Nico Paz (Douvikas, 90), Diao (Fadera, 81).
Coach: Fabregas
NAPOLI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Politano (Ngonge, 77), Billing (Anguissa, 62), Lobotka (Okafor, 84), McTominay, Spinazzola, Raspadori, Lukaku (Simeone, 62).
Coach: Conte
Referee: Manganiello di Pinerolo
Scorers: 7' Rrahmani OG., 17' Raspadori, 77' Diao
Booked: Nico Paz, Simeone, McTominay, Di Lorenzo
