#napoli

#napoli

Napoli's title defense continues to falter. After being held by Hellas Verona and salvaging a point against Inter, the Partenopei were frustrated again in midweek, drawing 0-0 with Parma despite dominating possession and creating chances. Conte, suspended and watching from the stands, saw his side fail to convert opportunities-a recurring theme in recent weeks. That result allowed Inter to extend their lead, leaving Napoli vulnerable to pressure from below.

Talking about the match, [it was] two strong teams who did everything to win. There's disappointment for having taken the lead twice, but it's not easy against a strong team. Credit must be given to our opponents, who did everything to equalise and then also to win. I take home the attitude and the desire to always go forward, perhaps sometimes overdoing it.

Napoli dominated the ball early on and saw Eljif Elmas' near-post attempt smothered by visiting captain Lorenzo Montipo, but by the 27th minute, the champions were 2-0 down. Martin Frese met Cheikh Niasse's centre with an inventive backheel to put Verona ahead in the 16th minute, then Gift Orban - who had been heavily involved in the opening goal - stroked home from the penalty spot after Alessandro Buongiorno was penalised for handball.

Napoli have been heavily linked with a loan move for Real Madrid midfielder Franco Mastantuono, but Madrid have closed the door on any departure, according to Marca. Mastantuono, 18, only moved from River Plate for €45 million in the summer and has already become Los Blancos' second-youngest debutant in the Champions League and their fourth youngest goal-scorer in LaLiga history. Napoli had been enquiring about a loan deal as they seek midfield reinforcements, but their interest was quickly quashed before any concrete offer was made.

SSC Napoli firmly condemns the behaviour of AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri, who, during the Italian Super Cup semifinal, in the presence of dozens of people pitchside and on live television, repeatedly and severely insulted Gabriele Oriali with offensive language. "We hope this completely out of control attack does not go unnoticed, especially since, with 33 cameras involved in the event's production, it is impossible not to witness what happened."