Napoli 0-0 Parma – Stellini: ‘We were unlucky’

Napoli were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Parma at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with assistant coach Cristian Stellini pointing to bad luck, fatigue and missed moments as key factors behind the stalemate.

Speaking to DAZN after the final whistle, via FCInter1908, Stellini admitted Napoli lacked a cutting edge despite controlling long stretches of the match.

He felt the game was decided by fine margins, particularly in the penalty area. “We were missing a bit of luck because there were so many situations in the box, but in none of them did we get the right bounce or the right moment,” he said.

NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Rasmus Hojlund of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Alessandro Circati of Parma Calcio 1913 during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 14, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Stellini also highlighted shortcomings in the first half, explaining that Napoli were too slow and imprecise in possession, which limited their ability to create chances against a well-organised Parma defence.

Napoli 0-0 Parma – Stellini questions Partenopei sharpness

Fatigue was another recurring theme in his analysis. Stellini stressed that Napoli are paying the price for relying on the same players every few days.

“We’ve been playing for a long time with the same players and, every two or three days, sometimes you lack the sharpness that comes from recovering physical and mental energy,” he explained.

epa12016681 Napoli’s assistant coach Cristian Stellini gestures during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Bologna FC and SSC Napoli, in Bologna, Italy, 07 April 2025. EPA-EFE/SERENA CAMPANINI

Asked about the mental side, especially with Inter’s result elsewhere, Stellini insisted his side must stay united.

“We have to remain clear-headed and work on the mentality of the players and the whole team,” he said, noting that several absences continue to complicate squad management.

Stellini also clarified the substitution of David Neres, revealing the winger felt pain again after coming on, and confirmed there is no clear timetable for André-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s return after a setback in his recovery.