[monks data]

Serie A

Dec 6, 2015 at 11.30am UK

Bologna
3-2
Napoli

Destro (14', 60'), Rossettini (21')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Higuain (87', 90')

Pepe Reina takes blame for Napoli defeat

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 06 December 2015

Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina claims that his mistake cost his team the chance to launch a comeback in Sunday's 3-2 loss at Bologna in Serie A.

Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina has shouldered part of the blame for his team's 3-2 defeat at Bologna on Sunday afternoon.

Napoli entered the Serie A clash unbeaten in their last 18 games in all competitions, but were defeated by the strugglers in what was one of the shock results of the season.

Reina has taken the blame for Mattia Destro's second goal early in the second period, which proved the winner after Gonzalo Higuain struck twice in the closing minutes.

"We did not start the game with the right humility. We conceded two goals in the opening 20 minutes, something that is extremely rare. When we started playing better, there was my mistake that cost us the game," Reina told Sky Sport Italia.

"The coach had spoken to us at half-time and said it only needed a goal to re-open the game, but unfortunately my mistake was crucial. At the end two magic shots from Gonzalo Higuain gave us hope, but it was not enough to avoid defeat.

"In order to stay top of the table, we need to mature. The game with Inter Milan was six days ago and should not have influenced our performance here."

Napoli currently sit third in the Serie A table, one point behind the league leaders Inter Milan.