Rafa Benitez feels Napoli deserve to be in the Europa League quarter-finals thanks to the “right approach” against Dinamo Moscow.
They had won the first leg 3-1 and therefore a goalless result in Russia proved enough for qualification, ending a 26-year drought.
“Playing away from home against a side with so much quality was not easy, but we had the right approach and intensity, which paid off,” Benitez told Mediaset Premium.
Rafa Benitez feels Napoli deserve to be in the Europa League quarter-finals thanks to the “right approach” against Dinamo Moscow.
They had won the first leg 3-1 and therefore a goalless result in Russia proved enough for qualification, ending a 26-year drought.
“Playing away from home against a side with so much quality was not easy, but we had the right approach and intensity, which paid off,” Benitez told Mediaset Premium.
“Tonight we had a bit of luck as well, which always helps, and we kept a clean sheet while creating many scoring opportunities. In other games we had done pretty well too.
“This side lacks experience and needs to have more maturity in its game management. We prepared well for this match and knew Dinamo would have to get unbalanced to attack.”
Benitez was asked why Napoli tend to do well in the big fixtures, but drop points in seemingly easier situations.
“Our idea was to be attacking and positive, trying to make the most of our strikers. The players know these games are head or tails, so you cannot get it wrong.
“In Serie A the opponents base their tactics around annulling you, whereas for us to grow we must find our own identity that can work in Europe too.
“We know that we’re lacking something in defence and need a little more balance. We should also be more clinical in the chances we create.”
Fiorentina are pushing past Roma to reach the quarter-finals, while Inter face Wolfsburg and Torino host Zenit. Would Benitez like an all-Italian Europa League Final?
“I’d love that!”