Spalletti Apologises To Napoli Fans For Missing Chance To Seal Title
Luciano Spalletti was forced to apologise to the home fans after Napoli missed the chance to wrap up the Serie A title on Sunday.
Earlier, Lazio's 3-1 defeat at Inter Milan meant a win for Napoli against Salernitana would confirm their first Scudetto in 33 years.
But a packed crowd at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona were left bitterly disappointed as Napoli threw away a one-goal lead to draw 1-1 with Salernitana.
The Partonopei are still 18 points clear at the top and will have to wait for at least three more days to see if their planned party comes to life.
They visit Udinese on Thursday but if Lazio falter against Sassuolo on Wednesday, Napoli will be crowned Italian champions.
Nonetheless, Spalletti was disappointed not to seal the title in front of their home fans.
The Napoli coach told DAZN: "We are very sorry for not giving the happiness [of winning the title] to this wonderful crowd.
"We represent what their dream is. It is right that they receive this dream they have. We are the ones who materialise the dreams of our fans.
"We have to score this extra goal to give it to them. From my point of view, the enjoyment is only delayed because I am very comfortable with the current standings.
"We postpone it for now but it is a lengthening of the celebrations because I am convinced we will get the two points [to win the league]."
"It's clear that if it [winning the title] were to happen, I'd have some satisfaction too," he added. "But the players deserve it more because I've seen the attention, willingness and quality they have come to train.
"I'm referencing those who have played less because they force those who have played the most to keep the bar high and it becomes difficult to become a soft or demotivated team."
