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Serie A: Rafa Benitez left frustrated by Napoli's 1-0 home defeat to Chievo

Image: Rafael Benitez: Napoli boss left to reflect on a disappointing home defeat

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez struggled to find an explanation for his team's 1-0 home defeat to Chievo.

The Partenopei were unable to take advantage of the numerous opportunities which came their way and suffered their first Serie A loss of the season on Sunday.

Argentinian striker Gonzalo Higuain had a first-half penalty saved by Chievo goalkeeper Francesco Bardi, who made numerous interventions to further dishearten Napoli.

"It's difficult to analyse this game as we didn't deserve to lose," Benitez said to his club's official website. "This result is really incredible especially when you have 11 clear chances and take 33 shots.

"We had so many shots on goal and we failed to score.

"Had the game ended 3-0 to us, nobody would have complained but instead, Chievo went home with three points.

"We clearly need to be more ruthless in front of goal and be stronger mentally."

The outcome followed their 2-1 triumph at Genoa in their league opener.

Napoli host Sparta Prague on Thursday in their Europa League Group I opener before travelling to the Friuli stadium to face Udinese next weekend.

"We now need to bounce back immediately and prove that we are a competitive team not only in Italy but in Europe," Benitez said. "I want to thank our fans because they never stopped cheering.

"If we are all (team and fans) together we are always much stronger even when facing adversity."

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