Napoli 3-1 Inter Milan – Ex AC Milan & Roma Striker Slams Nerazzurri Second-Half Performance: “Dreadful After A Wonderful First Half” | OneFootball

Antonio Cassano slammed Inter Milan for a ‘dreadful’ second-half performance in Saturday’s Serie A defeat to Napoli.

Speaking to Viva el Futbol via FCInterNews, the former striker hailed Inter’s first-half showing at the Maradona Stadium.

Inter suffered their first loss since September after winning seven games in a row between the Champions League and Serie A.

Indeed, helped by referee Maurizio Mariani, Antonio Conte’s side inflicted a 3-1 defeat on the Nerazzurri at the weekend.

Furthermore, the Partenopei opened up a three-point gap at the top of the table.

Despite Mariani’s error, it’s worth noting that Inter performed below expectations, especially in the second half.

Cristian Chivu’s men came close to canceling Kevin De Bruyne’s opener several times in the first half.

Denzel Dumfries and Alessandro Bastoni were denied by the woodwork, while Lautaro Martinez spurned a clear-cut chance.

However, the wheels feel off after the break, with Napoli taking full control of the game.

Antonio Cassano Blasts Inter Milan Second-Half Performance vs Napoli

MILAN, ITALY – OCTOBER 04: FC Internazionale coach Cristian Chivu looks on before the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and US Cremonese at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on October 04, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The game seemed lost after Scott McTominay doubled Napoli’s lead at the start of the second half.

Yet, Hakan Calhanoglu threw Inter a lifeline from the spot, only for the Nerazzurri to collapse after the goal.

“Inter played a wonderful first half,” Cassano said. “They should have at least gone into halftime level.

“After Calhanoglu’s 2-1, the team played terribly in the second half. They were disconnected and created nothing.

“Who said that Inter didn’t deserve to lose? Napoli scored three goals thanks to that genius Conte on the bench, who made a sensational move.

“In defense, there were two left-footed players; Juan Jesus was the best on the field, also guiding Buongiorno, who had some difficulties.

“Conte also invented Neres as a center forward. I would never have bet on him.

“Conte is the strongest coach in Serie A; he outsmarted Chivu in every way.”