Encounter at the Stadio Penzo ends all-square
Napoli drew 0-0 with Venezia this Sunday afternoon. In what was an evenly-matched game both sides had their chances but ultimately neither could break the deadlock.
Here's what coach Antonio Conte had to say:
"It’s a tough place to come to. We played our game but we were unable to take advantage of the chances we had to score. Venezia played well but you’ve got to take your chances.
"Controlling matches isn’t necessarily going to win you them. You need to score, and if you create many opportunities you’ve got to capitalise on them. You’ve got to be more determined and decisive in front of goal.
"What I can’t tolerate - and I said this to my players before - is to be hit on the counterattack with our defence all at sea a few minutes from the end. We’ve got to avoid this happening again – we need to use our heads. Teams that want to go far must never let their focus levels drop.
"We’ve now got an international break. We’ll work with the players who are remaining in Naples and when the others return we’ll try and improve and get them back up to speed.
"Draws happen. I’m not as angry today as after the defeat in Como because we put in a positive performance. However, we must keep our focus – we’re not in this position in the standings by chance. We want to give our all in the upcoming matches until the end of the season.”
Giacomo Raspadori also shared his post-match thoughts:
"[My shot hitting the post] was definitely an incident that would’ve changed the game. We’ve got regrets but we need to stay clear-headed and see the positives in our performance.
"In the first half we created a lot and given the chances we had we should’ve scored. We got less than we deserved from the game.
“We go home feeling bitter after only getting a draw, but we’re looking forward and we’ll work hard to get back on our feet.”
Leonardo Spinazzola also analysed the Azzurri’s performance:
"In the first half we could’ve scored two or three goals but we didn't make the most of our opportunities. You’ve got to score at least one of these chances.
"Venezia defended in numbers and caused us difficulties, especially in the first half. However, in the second half we changed things and we could’ve done more. That being said, you’ve got to score. If we want to be a great team, we’ve got to take advantage of the scoring opportunities."
VENEZIA: Radu; Schingtienne, Idzes, Cande, Zerbin, Kike Perez (Busio 87), Nicolussi Caviglia, Duncan (Doumbia 70), Ellertsson (Haps 87), Fila (Gytkjaer 70), Maric (Oristanio 38).
NAPOLI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani (Juan Jesus 77), Buongiorno, Politano, Gilmour (Anguissa 77), Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola (Olivera 76), Raspadori (Okafor 76), Lukaku (Simeone 87).
Referee: Mariani
Booked: Cande, Nicolussi Caviglia, Olivera
