Legendary former Inter striker Alessandro Altobelli feels that Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was a big part of the reason why the Nerazzurri were only able to score one goal on Saturday.
Speaking to Italian news outlet TuttoNapoli, the former striker hailed the Senegalese defender’s efforts at the back to ensure that the Nerazzurri were unable to find a winner at the Maradona.
Koulibaly had only just returned from winning the African Cup of Nations but was immediately slotted back into the Partenopei’s team, a show of his importance to the team.
The 30-year-old responded with a performance that showed why he has been one of the most highly-thought-of defenders in Serie A for a number of seasons.
The Nerazzurri had more and more possession as the half wore on, but whenever they looked close to creating a telling opportunity, it was Koulibaly who seemed to get in the way.
“I think it’s ridiculous to talk about Koulibaly like a normal defender,” Altobelli said. “In the second half against Inter he closed down, blocked, marked, he did everything singlehandedly.”
“If Napoli drew in the second half it was thanks to him,” he added. “On numerous occasions he made recovery challenges that only he is capable of. For me if Napoli have the best defense it’s thanks to him.”