Zoff: Don't blame Napoli keeper Meret for Real Madrid winner

Dino Zoff has defended Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret after Real Madrid's winner on Tuesday.

Meret was credited with an own goal in the 3-2 Champions League defeat after Fede Valverde's shot hit the crossbar and bounced inside the net after striking Napoli's keeper on back.

Former Italy coach Zoff said, "The deviation put Meret in difficulty, but that of the Napoli goalkeeper cannot be defined as a mistake. Goalkeepers are always in the crosshairs of criticism, it is always the last barrier.

"But the criticism is a bit harsh in this case. Advice for Meret? There is no advice to give him, those who play sports have to get used to it. Knowing if he isolated himself without hearing the criticism would be important.

"I too, when they criticised me, didn't talk to anyone and tried to improve."