(Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Napoli assistant manager Marco Landucci has admitted that Juventus were the better team in the second half of their encounter and deserved to secure the victory.
Juventus hosted the Partenopei as they looked to return to winning ways, with the players having spent several days away from their families at the club’s training facility in preparation for the fixture.
Luciano Spalletti was under considerable pressure, and the importance of securing a positive result could not be overstated. Juventus needed to respond to their recent struggles, making it essential for the players to deliver a determined performance against Napoli.
The Bianconeri showed some positive signs in the first half, but they struggled to turn their performance into goals. Despite their efforts, they needed to find another level after the interval if they were to secure all three points.
Juventus take control after half time
Napoli struggled to cope with the pressure Juventus applied in the second half. The hosts increased their intensity, pushed their opponents further back and eventually found the goals needed to claim a convincing 2-0 victory.
The result could prove important for Juventus as they look to build momentum and improve their consistency throughout the season. After a difficult period, beating Napoli provided an opportunity to restore confidence and give the squad something positive to build upon.
Landucci acknowledged that his team had failed to maintain their first-half performance and recognised that Juventus deserved the points.
(Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Landucci admits Napoli deserved to lose
Landucci did not attempt to hide his disappointment after the defeat. He accepted that his team had performed below expectations after the break and insisted that their absences could not be used to justify the result.
Speaking after the match, Landucci assessed Napoli’s performance and acknowledged Juventus’ superiority in the second half, as reported by Football Italia:
“Quite simply, we had a bad second half and Juve deserved to win. When you lose, you have to just stay quiet and accept it.
“We had some absences, but this isn’t an excuse, we should’ve done better after the break. I thought it was a good first half, Lucca was denied by a great Vicario save, but that wasn’t enough.”
His comments underline Napoli’s disappointment, while Juventus will hope this victory marks a turning point in their campaign.