Ex AC Milan, Inter & Real Madrid Striker Delivers Damning Verdict On Nerazzurri Performance Vs Napoli: “Had Calhanoglu Not Scored 40-Meter Stunner, Inter Would’ve Never Equalized” | OneFootball

Antonio Cassano has offered his verdict on Sunday’s draw between Serie A champions Inter Milan and current leaders Napoli.

In his recent interview with Viva el Futbol Real via FCInterNews, the former AC Milan and Inter striker slammed the home team’s performance.

Napoli grabbed the lead midway through the first half through Scott McTominay.

However, Hakan Calhanoglu drew Inter level on the stroke of halftime with a superb long-range striker.

Unfortunately, the Turkish midfielder went from hero to villain in the second half.

Referee Maurizio Mariani awarded the reigning Scudetto holders a controversial penalty in the 74th minute.

Indeed, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa made a reckless tackle on Denzel Dumfries in the box.

Mariani pointed to the spot, with VAR upholding his decision.

After converting his first 19 penalties in the Nerazzurri shirt, the ex-Milan ace hit the post.

Calhanoglu’s rare miss enabled Antonio Conte’s side to stay at the Serie A’s table summit.

But Conte refused to reconcile with Mariani’s decision as he lashed out at match officials after the game.

Antonio Cassano Delivers Damning Verdict On Inter Performance Vs Napoli

Despite dominating possession and forcing Napoli to defend with all 11 men, Inter failed to create many scoring opportunities.

Calhanoglu’s screamer was the only saving grace for Simone Inzaghi’s charges during an uneventful first half.

“Calhanoglu is a great leader,” Cassano stated.

“Leaving aside Meret’s mistake, if he didn’t score that 40-meter goal, Inter wouldn’t have come back.

However, Inter established firm control of proceedings after the break.

Federico Dimarco squandered two decent chances before Calhanoglu fumbled his opportunity from the spot.

Per Cassano, there was no penalty.

“The penalty? Don’t even start, it wasn’t a penalty.

“He took it really well, and after scoring 19 in a row, he was bound to miss one eventually.”

As a result of Calhanoglu’s miss, Inter headed into November’s international break a point adrift of Napoli.