Gennaro Gattuso’s assistant manager Gigi Riccio admits Napoli ‘expect more’ and were ‘not up to standard’ in the 2-0 defeat to Lazio.
It was always going to be difficult at the Stadio Olimpico without suspended Lorenzo Insigne, injured Dries Mertens or Victor Osimhen, then Chucky Lozano went off with an ankle sprain.
Pepe Reina was tested a couple of times, but otherwise the Partenopei failed to genuinely create chances.
Gennaro Gattuso’s assistant manager Gigi Riccio admits Napoli ‘expect more’ and were ‘not up to standard’ in the 2-0 defeat to Lazio.
It was always going to be difficult at the Stadio Olimpico without suspended Lorenzo Insigne, injured Dries Mertens or Victor Osimhen, then Chucky Lozano went off with an ankle sprain.
Pepe Reina was tested a couple of times, but otherwise the Partenopei failed to genuinely create chances.
Gattuso’s assistant manager Riccio spoke to Sky Sport Italia, as the coach is still struggling with Ocular Myasthenia.
“Rino is battling this eye problem, it’ll take a few more days and hopefully it’ll all return to normal soon,” said Riccio.
“Lozano had a heavy knock to his ankle and he’s going for tests.”
The Mexico international was spotted leaving the Stadio Olimpico on crutches.
“It wasn’t the usual Napoli tonight, we were too slow, predictable, easy to read, lost the ball repeatedly, especially in positions where Lazio could transition quickly.
“We are disappointed to have lost badly against a direct rival, but we mustn’t make a tragedy out of it. We know that this isn’t us, we were sluggish and ineffective, so we have to get back on track immediately for Wednesday.
“We wanted to give Diego Demme a rest, as he’d used up a lot of energy recently. We thought Fabian Ruiz could use his quality behind Gonzalo Escalante, but we were too slow and predictable.”
Napoli had impressed in Wednesday’s contentious 1-0 defeat to Inter, which saw Insigne sent off for insulting the referee and yet they fought to the end even down to 10 men.
“It’d be too easy to seek alibis right now. We expect more, it’s that simple. The squad was unable to reach its usual standards tonight.
“The coach expects more, he demands more and will do from the next game. The team tried, it’s a very professional group, but this evening it just wasn’t happening.
“We made it too easy for Lazio, even the Adam Marusic cross for Immobile, he had so much time to pick his spot, so the problems were all over the pitch.”