Former Inter center-back Juan Jesus is adamant Napoli deserved more than just a draw after a dramatic 1-1 stalemate at Giuseppe Meazza. The Brazilian scored a free header in the 81st minute, undoing Matteo Darmian’s first-half opener.
After a relatively sluggish first-half performance, Napoli rose to the contest in the second half and eventually grabbed a well-deserved equalizer. Jesus, who played for Inter between 2012 and 2016, inflicted a late upset on his ex-employers to hand Partenopei a crucial point.
However, the 32-year-old believes Napoli should’ve won Sunday’s derby as they showed more than the runaway Serie A leaders in the second half.
“It was a good game. We were the only team who played in the second half, so a draw is the least we could get, and frankly, we could’ve won,” Jesus told DAZN, as quoted by TMW.
Though Jesus might have a point here, it’s worth noting that Napoli registered their first shot on target in the 56th minute. In fact, his goal came from Partenopei’s only third attempt on frame. But they have at least arrested a five-game losing streak at Meazza.
After beating Juventus 2-1 earlier this month, interim manager Francesco Calzona avoided defeat in another high-profile match-up. His relentless effort to steer Napoli to next season’s Champions League could come to fruition as his men head into March’s international break six points adrift of fifth-placed Roma.
With Serie A likely to be handed a fifth spot at Europe’s top table under the new format, the southern heavyweights are still in the qualification picture despite a dismal campaign.
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