Calzona explains Napoli substitution before Roma’s goal

Napoli coach Francesco Calzona wanted to avoid a Roma goal from a corner kick and replacing Hamed Traoré ‘wasn’t enough’, but at least the Partenopei showed ‘pride and quality.’

Napoli were held to a 2-2 draw by Roma at the Stadio Maradona on Sunday. Tammy Abraham scored a late equaliser from a corner kick, but Calzona had tried to prevent it with a substitution only a few seconds earlier.

The Partenopei boss replaced Traoré, who had been introduced less than 20 minutes earlier, with Leo Ostigard, but Napoli still conceded from a corner.

“We were aware of Roma’s strength from set pieces, so I made a substitution before the corner kick, but it wasn’t enough,” the Italian tactician told Sky Sport Italia.

“We conceded two goals from set pieces. I don’t know what to say. The only thing I can add is that I am happy because we showed pride and quality.

Calzona explains Napoli substitution before Roma’s goal

“There were only a few minutes remaining. I took out a lad who had been introduced during the match but who lacked the required physicality. That’s what I needed and why I made the substitution, but it wasn’t enough.”

What are the team lacking this season?

“The lads feel the weight of the situation, which is not great, but I must train them well and try to make them play football. We didn’t concede many chances to a team that has been averaging two goals per game under De Rossi. We left everything on the pitch and like this, we won’t lose many games.”

Calzona is expected to leave at the end of his contract in June. Any advice to De Laurentiis on his possible successor?

“De Laurentiis does not need my advice. He’s been in football for 20 years so he knows how to make the best decisions. It is not my task to give him advice,” concluded Calzona.