Carlo Tarallo, a journalist for `La Verità`, recently shared his perspective on Napoli`s current situation. Speaking as a Napoli fan, he admitted to feeling psychologically drained after the team`s recent match.
He expressed disappointment with the performance, especially after Napoli took the lead for a second time, expecting that Genoa would be mentally defeated at that point. Instead, he witnessed a Napoli side that seemed to lack urgency, as if they had nothing left to play for in the season. He had anticipated a decisive third goal to secure the victory. While acknowledging that Genoa proved to be a challenging opponent, well-organized with effective midfield pressure, he stressed that taking the lead twice should absolutely mean closing out the game. He characterized this failure to secure results as a recurring theme throughout Napoli`s season – the inability to finish matches leading to dropped points. Tarallo sharply disagreed with the current wave of “catastrophism” from pundits, noting that it contrasts starkly with the atmosphere in the stadium, where fans offered genuine and sustained applause to the team.
While regretting the defensive error that led to Genoa`s second goal, he maintained that Napoli`s fundamental issue lies in their consistent failure to put games beyond doubt by scoring the crucial second or third goal needed for a comfortable cushion. He observed that many visiting teams at the Maradona stadium seem content to maintain a minimal deficit, hoping for a late equalizer – a situation he finds unacceptable.
When asked if this difficulty in finishing games is connected to coach Antonio Conte`s style, Tarallo affirmed that it was. He stated that this approach to managing a lead reflects Conte`s known tactical philosophy; he was specifically hired for his ability to win, often with maximum efficiency and minimal risk. Conte is not a coach known for aggressive, attacking football but rather for his expertise in managing the game, organizing the team, and securing results. Tarallo criticized the tendency among some to judge Conte on a game-by-game basis, referencing a radio pundit who drastically changed his rating based solely on a late equalizer. He expressed a strong feeling that some people in Naples are hoping for Napoli`s failure primarily to be able to say that Conte has failed. Tarallo clarified that he is not a personal admirer of Conte the individual, but he recognizes the coach`s impressive twenty-year record of winning titles wherever he has managed. While Conte may not be universally popular, his methods and track record are undeniable.
Discussing the substitution of Raspadori for Billing, Tarallo initially saw it as a smart move to add physical presence, although he conceded that Billing`s subsequent performance was poor. However, he reminded listeners that Billing had previously been decisive in a key moment against Inter.
Asked if the primary problem lies with the quality and depth of the squad available to Conte, Tarallo confirmed this was a significant factor. He pointed out that Napoli`s squad is relatively thin, often lacking impactful options in the final stages of matches, particularly among the substitutes. He suggested that a higher-quality central defensive replacement for the injured Buongiorno might have prevented the goals conceded in the last game. While the starting eleven is strong, the backup options are insufficient. He felt that Raspadori was energetic and perhaps should have remained on the field, potentially substituting Lukaku or the visibly tired Anguissa instead. Despite these concerns, Tarallo expressed optimism regarding the final two matches. He stated that at the beginning of the season, he would have gladly accepted being in a position to compete for the Scudetto requiring wins in the final games. He emphasized the necessity of a determined approach, especially against Parma. While Parma is not facing a desperate situation, this match represents an opportunity for the coach and players to demonstrate their desire to make history. He expects a full 90-minute performance, in contrast to the team`s usual sporadic bursts of intensity followed by periods of lull.