Napoli lost 3-1 to Inter Milan with Inter forward Romelu Lukaku scoring twice and Kostas Manolas giving away the third goal to Lautaro Martinez. The Greek defender attempted to slide tackle an incoming cross, clearing it poorly and gifting Martinez the goal.
This is Napoli’s second defeat in three games since Gennaro Gattuso replaced Carlo Ancelotti as coach and stayed eighth with 24 points, despite showing flashes of improvement on the pitch.
‘This win is worth a lot,’ said Inter coach Antonio Conte. ‘It’s never easy to win at Napoli for anyone. We faced the match with great personality and this will give us more self-confidence and belief. We need to carry on like this.’
Gennaro Gattuso chose not to feature Greek goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, instead playing Alex Meret who cost Napoli their second goal from a goalkeeping blunder.
‘We made decisive mistakes in all three of the goals we conceded,’ said Gattuso. ‘However, we showed we can play football and we need to continue doing that. We have to improve in various areas of the pitch.’