Antonio Conte believes Napoli deserved more than a 2-2 draw with Roma. "It was an English-style game, now we'll see which European competition we qualify for."
There was a long and touching banner in the stands before the start of the match that sent a strong message to Conte and the Napoli players during the injury crisis.
"We don't know what our fate will be, but we will be by your side until the end. Despite many difficulties, you are honoring the jersey and the city," it read.
"It's right to thank the fans because it's not at all taken for granted that they recognize what we're doing this season," Conte told DAZN Italia.
"The fact that they have understood that we are fighting for Napoli, we are honouring the shirt and we are not giving up is a great message for the boys. I know what they have faced and how we have managed to get through the last few months."
It was another hard-fought battle at the Stadio Maradona, but the Partenopei refused to give up and twice came back from goals by Donyell Malen to earn a 2-2 draw.
Leonardo Spinazzola's shot was deflected by Nicolò Pisilli and ended up over Mile Svilar, while in the end January signings Giovane and Alisson Santos collaborated for the emotional equalizer from the latter.
"To come back twice to stop Roma is no small feat, and I think if it had been a boxing match, we would have won on points," Conte insisted.
"It was a fun game, with high intensity, it was difficult to play because the pressure was so great from both teams. It was an English style game. We have to keep going, knowing that we are building our future in the next 13 games, so what we have next season will depend on what we do in these 13 games and which European competition we manage to qualify for.
It won't be easy, as the other teams in the competition are well organized and have resources, but we are pushing beyond our limits."
Alisson Santos arrived in the January transfer window and made a huge impact off the bench today, scoring goals and constantly attacking opponents.
"Both Giovane and Alisson are new players that the club acquired in January because we had restrictions in the transfer market and we had to sell first to buy, in order to balance the finances," Conte stressed.
"They haven't even been training with us for two weeks, so they need to understand our movements. Alisson is better in one-on-ones, while Giovane is more of an attacker. They have made a big change in their careers, but they have shown humility and are ready to take the time they need to understand the way we work here."
There was mixed news from the medical department, as Amir Rrahmani appeared to have twisted his ankle during the penalty incident, while Billy Gilmour made his first appearance since early November.
"I honestly don't know how Rrahmani is, but at this point it won't make much difference," Conte said.
"We can't always talk about injuries, otherwise it becomes ridiculous. We have to focus on what we have available for the next game; if he is ready we will be happy, if not we will find a solution, like we have done in every game."/Express newspaper/
edition
t7 live
