Leonardo Semplici feels SPAL “kept the game in the balance to the final whistle” in a 1-0 defeat to Serie A leaders Napoli.
A thrashing was expected at the Stadio San Paolo when Allan broke the deadlock after six minutes, but that proved to be the only goal of the game.
“We faced a team of great quality who have always done well in Serie A this season, so there were many difficulties around it,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Leonardo Semplici feels SPAL “kept the game in the balance to the final whistle” in a 1-0 defeat to Serie A leaders Napoli.
A thrashing was expected at the Stadio San Paolo when Allan broke the deadlock after six minutes, but that proved to be the only goal of the game.
“We faced a team of great quality who have always done well in Serie A this season, so there were many difficulties around it,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“My team held out well and in the end kept the game in the balance to the final whistle. We were hoping an incident would go our way.
“The main thing we had to do was limit Napoli’s passing game, so I cut out one of our strikers. I tried to equalise in the final stages by introducing Sergio Floccari and Alberto Paloschi. We had to be wary, as we’ve conceded too many goals lately and must improve if we are to stay up.
“We have largely done well against the bigger clubs, it’s in the head-to-head clashes with the other relegation contenders that we’ve struggled. I think we need to improve our character and self-belief, because the potential is there.”