Napoli’s chances of finishing second this season have been boosted after a crucial 1-0 win over Roma in the Derby del Sole.
The Partenopei are now within three points of Roma in the Serie A table, who still have a game in hand against Parma, and have got their sights set on overtaking the Giallorossi before the end of the season.
In the build up to the match Rafa Benitez had described the clash against Roma as a ‘final’ for an automatic Champions League spot and urged his side not to play without fear.
However, the Azzurri approached the game cautiously and looked particularly nervous during the first-half often turning over possession through unforced errors. Marek Hamsik and Gonzalo Higuain also had uncharacteristically quiet games as the away side had the majority of possession and created the better chances throughout the game.
While Roma had several chances to score, it was the Vesuviani who took their chance with Jose Callejon scoring his tenth Serie A goal in his debut season with only nine minutes left to play. Faouzi Ghoulam provided an excellent first time cross from the left and Callejon met it with an accurate header at the back post after some intelligent movement to get away from Alessio Romagnoli.
According to WhoScored.com, Napoli have conceded the most goals through individual errors in Serie A this season with ten goals. But the Partenopei defence stayed strong on this vital occasion and showed the character and determination that was accused of lacking in the 1-1 draw at Livorno.
Pepe Reina, in particular, was impressive after his error against Le Triglie and made several important saves. Perhaps the best came in the second-half when he showed great reactions to change direction and turn Maicon’s deflected shot around the post.
Speaking after the match, Benitez admitted that his side could have performed better when in possession but was delighted to have secured three points.
“I think both teams had their chances and it could’ve gone either way, but we took our opportunity and won the game,” the Spaniard told Sky Sport Italia.
“It is up to us to do even better and motivate the fans, but I think the majority of supporters are satisfied to see a team that plays good football, attacks and is progressing in three tournaments.”
The 53-year-old tactician also publicly backed Hamsik to recapture his early season form after the captain has come in for criticism following some substandard performances since returning from a long term foot injury.
“At the start of the season he did very well, but he was out for two months and is really struggling to regain full fitness,” Benitez continued.
“We know he has the quality and will get there eventually.”
On Thursday the Partenopei travel to the Estádio do Dragão to play Porto in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 clash. The Dragons will be led by B team coach Luís Castro, who won his first game in charge 4-1 against Arouca at the weekend, after Paulo Fonseca was sacked last week following a run of four games without a win.
Giandomenico Mesto could be part of the squad that goes to Portugal after completing Monday morning’s training session, while Juan Zuniga also took for part of the session before training separately.
Napoli will then continue their travels with a trip to Torino on Monday evening. Neutrals may be hoping for a repeat of last season’s 5-3 thriller, but another 1-0 win for the Azzurri would be equally satisfying.
