Napoli - Inter (6 Jan 20) [1-3]

[firmino]

napoli's howlers made things a bit easier, but we created a fairly good number of scoring chances and deserved the three points. first league win in san paolo in 22 years by the way.

 

[acroMacho]

What a great match that was. It sucks that next match we will be without Barella and Skriniar.

And that game is actually Atalanta... Fuck it, I am so scared as I just watched the highlights of their game.

 

[jamsieboy86]

A bit nervy at times but that was a great win at a ground that hasn't been kind to us. Suspensions are disappointing but that's part of football, we have the squad to depth to cope now. Bastoni has stepped up big in the last few games and Godin is not a bad replacement for Skriniar, not quite at his level this season but still a quality option.

Nice to get 2020 off to a flying start, here's hoping it will be a great year for us!

 

[Guz]

Great win.
The only thing I didn't like about today's game was the fact that we let ourselves get caught on the counter by Napoli a few too many times, especially in the first half. I realise we went there to take the game to them, but we should have done a better job at keeping the right distances between the defence and midfield lines. Also, we'll be missing two key players against Atalanta because of bookings that could (and should) have been avoided. Aside from that, we did well tonight, playing with personality on a field where we had a very negative track record in recent times. The game was prepared extremely well by Conte, who deserves to be supported by the club in this mercato.

Lukaku was very involved in the first half and the brace was the deserved (albeit a bit lucky) rewards for his efforts. He faded away noticeably in the second half, but I assume it was because of Pintus' last week's intense training sessions. Anyway, some of his combinations with Lautaro were a joy to watch. The Argentine too was extremely lively and had the merit of restoring the two-goals lead when Napoli was gaining momentum, which eased the pressure on our defence and maybe spared us from a repeat of the Florence last minute disaster.

As I wrote above, the midfield had a hard time keeping the correct distances with the defence, and Napoli exploited the excess of space we left between the two lines to attack us centrally. Conte should look into that in view of our game against Atalanta. That being said, if somebody had told me at the start of the season that we would go to Naples and control the game with a midfield comprising both Gagliardini and Vecino I would have laughed in his face. I must say that I'm not particularly fond of either of them, even though I stand in the Gagliardini camp when it comes to choosing which one I can stomach more, but they were more than okay tonight. Admittedly, seeing Barella and Sensi walk into the field felt like taking a breath of fresh air after a week spent in the sewers, but still... well done lads. I think Brozovic had a good game, even though at times he lacked a bit of commitment going into tackles, which set up a few opportunities on the break for Napoli. Valero's was more like a walk-in, but he still deserves some recognition for his contribution during the tough times we have just put behind us (hopefully).

Our WBs definitely aren't members of MENSA. I've accepted that over time, so I can't be surprised by their occasional brainfarts. Anyway, Biraghi looked solid today, being involved in the attack but also stepping up in defence with a couple of providential clearances. Candreva was his usual self. He played the part Conte has tailored for him, even though I believe he could have played a few less long balls, especially in the second half.

The defence was solid. The only fuck up was on occasion of their goal, but we must not forget that Napoli have been executing that play for years now, and that despite Ancelotti's best efforts to destroy Sarri's legacy, they are probably still capable of pulling it off by heart. Aside from that, our positional defending was on point today. Skriniar could have avoided being booked as he will now miss the Atalanta game, but he probably didn't want to take any chances after what happened in Florence. Also, Mario Rui's is arguably one of most punchable faces in Serie A (along with Lapadula's and a few others), so I kind of understand him for whacking him. De Vrij was once again a boss in the middle, but I think the one who deserves the highest praise is Bastoni, who once again showed a composure and maturity way beyond his age. Handanovic was up to the task whenever Napoli knocked on his door and couldn't do anything on their goal.

 

[CCCP]

I don't think Sensi was bad at all considering his absense.

Barella on the other hand didn't at all look ready to play /match fit yet to me so I don't think it's much of a loss for the next game.

 

[I4E]

Good work lads

 

[Choppin Onions]

Barella and Sensi were definitely shaking off the rust. It's gonna take time for them. Also lets not forget that even though Napoli are going some major issues, Allan-Zielinksi-Ruiz are a pretty good trio in midfield. Very few clubs would go into Naples and win the possession game. I'm just thankful for their shit defense and Meret gifting us a goal. First win down there in a long, long time. Hard to complain too much, referring aside.

Now onto a very difficult fixture. Atalanta are on fire and even though brehme is a pessimistic, annoying cunt sometimes, he was right saying they ain't exactly 2011 Barca. Even without Barella and Skriniar, I'm reasonably confident we can take the 3 points.

 

[CoolMan44]

There's also Lazio who have a run of some tough games ahead of them (Napoli at home, who should eventually knock points off of someone), Sampdoria away, the derby with Roma. We play them away on February 23rd. We'll see who's battling for what position at that point.

We should be able to keep winning with Atalanta at home (tough but come on, they're not 2011 Barcelona), Lecce away, Cagliari at home, Udinese away before the Madonina derby and then off to Rome for the Lazio game. We should have 13 or 15 points out of 15 by the time we face Lazio whilst they probably are going to fail to beat Sampdoria and Roma. And possibly Parma away. If they keep it up, letting aside FIGC's highyl probable push of Juventus who won't lose any points anytime soon, they are a threat to that 2nd spot if we value is so much.

The winter mercato and the Atalanta game should shape our view for the future of our Serie A progression. At first view, the Scudetto feels like a three horse race. We'll see who taps out first.

Lazio already beat Sampdoria away. It's a home game for them. 4 of their next 5 games are at home (away match being at Olimpico too vs. Roma)

 

[RickyMaravilla'sRightFoot]

Just finished watching the game. To me it seemed like we were playing at 70% most of the game and it was still pretty routine despite a few napoli chances.
I don't know if it that says more about us or Napoli, but I'll take it.

 

[Rain]

Four or five years years ago, with Mancini as coach, I remember we played an ultra-defensive style and managed to grab a point against Napoli. It was hailed as a great achievement, as if we were playing against Barcelona or something. Yesterday represents for me a sign that the tables have turned. Not necessarily in terms of gameplay, as we again struggled for significant portions of the game, but in terms of team spirit, quality and most important, self-confidence. Regardless of Napoli's form, to me it seems that we, as a team, have taken a step up. Hopefully, it will last.

 

[Universe]

These conspiring pieces of shit, ref Doveri and VAR ref Calvarese were hard at work against us today.

23 fouls went against us, only 11 for Napoli. Napoli received zero bookings, we received SEVEN yellow cards. Some where deserved, others less so. What is entirely certain is that there should've had a penalty and yellow card right at the end, but it didn't even go to VAR. I rate the officiating a rating of 3/10 today.

 

[I'mNewHere]

Still waiting for a replay of Callejon at the goal, looked offside to me.

 

[Solfice]

These conspiring pieces of shit, ref Doveri and VAR ref Calvarese were hard at work against us today.

23 fouls went against us, only 11 for Napoli. Napoli received zero bookings, we received SEVEN yellow cards. Some where deserved, others less so. What is entirely certain is that there should've had a penalty and yellow card right at the end, but it didn't even go to VAR. I rate the officiating a rating of 3/10 today.

Also, no yellow for the turd who kicked the ball at the Inter bench.

 

[brehme1989]

Still waiting for a replay of Callejon at the goal, looked offside to me.

It was perfectly onside.

 

[militoscores]

Brilliant performance! lukaku!!!!!!!! first goal was original ronaldo lol

shame to lose barella to suspension but his foul directly led to the cliching 3rd goal

skrinniars is hard to take,atalanta best attacking team in league perhaps,we need a real statement performance from Godin

but lets enjoy this one today, love watching this conte inter team!

 

[capitano92]

https://youtu.be/9QeQsKgh2Ic

Bask in it ragazzi. An amazing three points

Live match reaction to what is a very good win. Forza Inter Forza Inter worldwide

 

[diamen]

Brilliant performance! lukaku!!!!!!!! first goal was original ronaldo lol

Adriano

 

[Nerazzurri's Hoe.]

Couldn't watch the game because of my work. So glad we won those clowns.

After watching some highlights..the referee was absolutely terrible and really screwed us over especially for next gamekay:

Also guys when will Sanchez be back?

 

[Wobblz]

Also guys when will Sanchez be back?

He was on the bench yesterday, so he's technically already back.

 

[ElDuccio]

Adriano

Adriano + Eto´o