Roberto De Zerbi believes Sassuolo did enough to earn a point against Napoli, defending his choices and Manuel Locatelli.
It was a surprisingly hard-fought encounter at the Stadio San Paolo, as in the second half David Ospina was called into several very tricky saves.
“It’s pleasing that Ospina was made to work so hard, as it means we did well,” said the Coach in his Press conference after a 2-0 defeat.
Roberto De Zerbi believes Sassuolo did enough to earn a point against Napoli, defending his choices and Manuel Locatelli.
It was a surprisingly hard-fought encounter at the Stadio San Paolo, as in the second half David Ospina was called into several very tricky saves.
“It’s pleasing that Ospina was made to work so hard, as it means we did well,” said the Coach in his Press conference after a 2-0 defeat.
“We lost to Juventus, Milan and Napoli in very similar circumstances, so that has to make us think. Today we conceded one goal when we were in possession and another curler into the top corner. We suffered only as much as to be expected against a side like Napoli.
“This team is evolving and finding its shape under Carlo Ancelotti, losing some of the passing and gaining in practicality. As they change so many elements and are have many variations, it’s difficult to prepare against them.”
De Zerbi also pulled a few surprises, leaving Domenico Berardi and Federico Di Francesco on the bench in favour of Filip Djuricic and Jeremie Boga.
“It’s not as if I replaced them with goalkeepers. We simply used players with different characteristics to focus on the counter. Besides, Berardi was not 100 per cent fit, while Manuel Locatelli and Kevin-Prince Boateng weren’t at their best either today. When they do find form, they’ll be decisive for us.
“Locatelli’s error on the first goal was my fault, as I tell the lads to never kick the ball away, but to go for the pass. Mistakes can happen in those circumstances. He’s young and not at 100 per cent right now, so there’s no need to point the finger at him.”
Rogerio was shown a straight red card late on for a challenge on Jose Callejon, but Amadou Diawara was substituted when risking a second yellow.
“Everyone saw it, the score was 1-0 and a second booking wouldn’t have surprised anyone. I don’t think Rogerio’s foul warranted a straight red, as he lifted his foot to challenge, not to hurt anybody.
“I believe we deserved to equalise in the second half and had important chances, but if Insigne finds the top corner like that, it’s hard to come back from it.”