Carlo Ancelotti was “very happy with the approach. Napoli kept the pressure on for 90 minutes and forced Roma to play in a way they didn’t enjoy.”
Although it took a late Dries Mertens goal to snatch a point, the Partenopei dominated possession and had numerous chances.
This 1-1 result means the gap between Napoli and leaders Juventus has again opened up to six points and Inter could catch them in second place with a win at Lazio on Monday night.
Carlo Ancelotti was “very happy with the approach. Napoli kept the pressure on for 90 minutes and forced Roma to play in a way they didn’t enjoy.”
Although it took a late Dries Mertens goal to snatch a point, the Partenopei dominated possession and had numerous chances.
This 1-1 result means the gap between Napoli and leaders Juventus has again opened up to six points and Inter could catch them in second place with a win at Lazio on Monday night.
“Everyone saw the game, we played very well and I am very happy with the approach my team took. Despite the difficulties of conceding the early goal, we kept the pressure on constantly for 90 minutes,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We weren’t playing minnows, but we forced Roma to play in a way that they don’t enjoy, as we pinned them back. It’s true we were forced to move down the wings more than we’d like.”
Mertens came off the bench to score the equaliser and commented he would’ve liked to start the match.
“He’d hardly say he was happy to be on the bench. If someone said that, I’d take them aside and ask them what was wrong!” smiled Ancelotti.
“Arkadiusz Milik is a different type of striker to Mertens, but the decision was also made based on the energy we used up midweek in Paris.
“We spent most of the game in the Roma penalty area. We might not have been very precise, but these are details. It’s a very prolific team, we create so many scoring opportunities and today Roma packed the defence.
“Fabian Ruiz is very consistent, he cuts inside and creates chances. He’s more accustomed to playing centre-right, but he is settling well and has great potential.
“We certainly didn’t underestimate him. Neither did Betis, considering how much they made us pay for him!”