Max Allegri admits Napoli ‘need to improve’ after fumbling a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 at Inter in a Serie A thriller. ‘This is the proof that football is beyond logic.’
The Partenopei thought they were on track for a remarkable success at San Siro when Matteo Politano and Rasmus Hojlund found the net within three minutes of each other.
However, Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram got Inter back on track, with the captain snatching a stoppage-time winner.
“It was hugely entertaining for the spectators and for Inter, but a bit less enjoyably for us,” Allegri told DAZN Italia.
“The goal for 2-1 was too easy for them, then they stepped up a gear because they have that in them, and caused us problems. We thought the ball was out of play and stopped on the cross, but this is football.
“We could’ve scored the winner, so could they, in the end they did and that won the game. This is the proof that football is beyond logic. We wanted to defend inside the area and then conceded a goal like that.”
“We need to improve. The performance was good, and we expected Inter to start strong, but we had favourable situations even then that we didn’t take.
“Inter suddenly sparked into life when 2-0 down, they are a very good team. Our performance against Como was good too, but we are paying a heavy price for errors and need to limit or avoid those.
“This team’s fitness levels will improve, it’s a pity about this moment, but now we turn our focus to the Champions League on Wednesday.”
Kevin De Bruyne again came off the bench, but this time seemed a little lost, while Antonio Vergara was picked as the replacement for Scott McTominay in midfield.
“Vergara did well, it was his first time playing in midfield, but he did it with intensity and quality. Alisson Santos four times in the first half lost the ball by trying to control it with the sole of his boot, and in these games, you cannot make those errors. He is coming off an injury and so not in top condition either,” explained Allegri.
“There are positives to be taken today, but the fact is we conceded five goals in two games. This doesn’t mean we should not be defending inside the penalty area, but when we have the chance to score, we need to take it.
“If we concede three goals in 30 minutes, then clearly we have got to do better. That is not to take away from the performance of the lads.”
There were some questions from both sides over the refereeing, which was a sign of the new Serie A approach urging fewer free kicks and cards.
“It was a good clash, entertaining to watch, with a lot of quality. The referee not interfering as much with play also benefits the game, they ought to be applauded for that. It’s one of the reasons the game was so good this evening,” concluded Allegri.