Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti was delighted after their win against Atalanta.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with a superb individual effort and a Amir Rrahmani header saw Napoli home.
“We had fun this week, because after 20 games without defeat, at the first loss we saw just how quickly the pack pounced onto its prey. It was incredible,” declared Spalletti.
“When you decide to accept the Napoli job, you get to know the history and the sentiments that people have for this team. With a crowd like this, you have to aim a bit higher, be more daring and have a little imagination about where you want to end up. You can’t start the season here saying you want third place, you must win.
“We all desire ‘that thing’, but there are still many games that we must play and show the same character.
“Kvaratskhelia has this ability in taking men on that is remarkable. If a defender turns his back on him, he is ‘dead,’ with that quality in the finishing.
“Atalanta played very well, they created problems for us in the individual battles all over the field, so the fact we scored twice and kept a clean sheet is very important. We were coming off a defeat and reacted like a top team.
“Those aggressive moves once we lose possession are fundamental to get the crowd involved and create a special atmosphere. We are all convinced that it’s right to play an attacking and modern form of football, to keep the ball even when pressed. It’s easier when you have players like Anguissa, Lobotka and Di Lorenzo.”
