Inter reacts, Napoli doesn't. In summary, this is what emerges from Saturday's Serie A match, with the Nerazzurri able to regain the lead, albeit at the end of a rather complicated match against Verona and the Azzurri stopped 0-0 by Genoa, as well as being overwhelmed by boos of the San Paolo. Looking at it like this, in short, it would seem that it was Conte's team that reacted in the right way, in the face of Ancelotti who is increasingly distant from the seasonal objectives, as demonstrated by the very merciless rankings. And indeed, numbers in hand, that's right, given that Inter find themselves at the top of the championship and Napoli, against their will, in seventh place, minus 12 from the lead and even out of the Champions League area, moreover with the risk of also be sucked in by Fiorentina.
Both needed a positive response after the week's controversies but only the Nerazzurri managed to get it, albeit at the end of a much more complicated match than expected. “The boys' response was important despite an uphill match from the start against a team that defends one-on-one, we were faced with a human barrier – Conte's analysis. – The challenge had put them in the best position, but we showed a great desire to rebel against the negative result. We're doing something really important." Words full of pride those of the Nerazzurri coach, daughters of a comeback above all of character even before technique. Not that the 2-1 final wasn't the result of a real siege, on the contrary, but it's fair to say that Inter were able to turn around a difficult match even without the goals from the Lautaro-Lukaku couple, who have always been decisive up to now. at least until yesterday, when Vecino and Barella instead took care of directing the 3 points, two supporters, of course, but only on paper.
Verre's advantage from a penalty (19', a foul by Handanovic on Zaccagni) had in fact complicated life for Conte's team, forcing them to play an intense match from all points of view, despite the post-Champions fatigue. In cases like these, usually, it is quality that dominates, but this time it was quantity that prevailed, even if the goals, on balance, were of a very fine workmanship. Vecino's (65') put everything back in place, but Barella took care of driving the 65 at San Siro crazy, author of a right-footed shot that simply brought applause, on which Silvestri was powerless (83'). No goals instead from San Paolo, despite the Neapolitan people expecting them to put an end to the quarrels of recent days. Instead, only a gray 0-0 came out, which, despite the numerous opportunities created, only increases the discontent of the square, now resigned to fighting only for the Champions League area, in defiance of the summer Scudetto proclamations.
The Azzurri tried in every possible way but the inaccuracy, as on other occasions, ended up getting the better of it, forcing Napoli, in addition to a draw, to boo at the San Paolo. Obviously, all this has not changed the line of the company, now determined to continue with the press blackout until a later date. However, the problems are not to be found in the outside world but in a team in great difficulty, able to collect only one victory in the last five games, against one defeat and 3 draws. A disastrous roadmap, but never like the climate within the group: that's why the break, for this Naples, really comes at the right time.
