The miracle failed. Napoli said goodbye to the Champions League with a defeat in Rotterdam, even if the games had in fact already been decided well before St Juste's goal, which in the 91st minute sealed the victory for Feyenoord. In fact, the result that hurt the most was that of Kharkiv, where Guardiola's Manchester Dity succumbed under the blows of Shakhtar.
To go through, two Azzurri victories were needed, none came: the elimination of Napoli, however, cannot be explained only in this way. Weighing was all a way well below expectations, as evidenced by the only 6 points collected in the entire group, just 3 more than Feyenoord bringing up the rear.
Of course, the result of City inevitably weighs on yesterday's knockout, so much so that as long as Guardiola's match remained in the balance, even Sarri's Azzurri were ahead. Then, after Shakhtar's one-two, Napoli also melted away and the initial goal from Zielinski (2') was followed by those from Jorgensen (33') and St Juste (91').
Inevitable psychological backlash, after all betting all the chips on the citizens already qualified and expected from the superderby with Mourinho's United was risky and it was known well before the kick-off.
"We came here to win but we didn't succeed – Guardiola defended himself – We fought and we tried, but they played a great game and deserve the compliments".
The English didn't help, all right, but it's undeniable that Napoli too could have done more and that this defeat, the second in a row after that of last Friday with Juve, ring a good alarm bell.
The Azzurri are no longer those of the beginning of the season, as evidenced by the crisis of Mertens' goal and, more generally, an offensive maneuver well below the usual standards. Problems that have also been seen in the championship, where the bubbly version of September/October has given way to a decidedly more opaque one.
“There are some things that are coming to the surface that we need to resolve – admitted Sarri – Lately we've been a bit at a standstill, we lack those offensive movements that made us dangerous. Woe to losing certainties though, now we will work for the championship and then, in due course, we will also honor the Europa League”.
Yes, because Napoli's European journey is not over, it has only changed day. Starting in February, it will be necessary to play on Thursdays, with all that could ensue. It is urgent to think about it better already in the January transfer market, to ensure that in May, in addition to the usual compliments, some trophies arrive.
