Rafa Benitez has appeared before the media in the post match press conference after SSC Napoli played against Fiorentina (2-1). The coach was obviously satisfied and proud of his team, stressing the technical capacity plus the strength of the whole Napoli team: "It was a win of character", this has now represents an overall summary of everything that happened on the pitch, which has been alot tonight.

"It was a very important game for both contenders and both have shown the right personality, which I think is an absolutely necessary when the game is not based strictly on just a tactical side. Today we did a good job in the construction of the game and in the defensive phase, as it would require commitment in itself", the Madrid born coach recognizing the Neapolitan defense.

Rafa Benitez recalled the key points leading to what has been an important victory that keeps Napoli in the fight for the top of the table: "As I said yesterday in the press conference in Castel Volturno. You can reach the door even without dominating possession with solutions based on speed and counterattack. And so it has shown in the two magnificent goals we've scored, and that have helped us to win this demanding game".

"The development of the game has helped us to verify that the progress is still at seventy-five percent", the coach continued before stating: "But today I saw the character out on the field that I always ask of the players. It was a victory for the group, the block, the set. I've always said that the end is the encompassing whole that wins games and championships. Today we have seen that even the players who were on the bench have made an important contribution to the success".

Mertens has again shined on the field by adding a goal and scoring for the 'Azzurri' and Benitez has no problem in recognizing the great work of the Belgian midfielder: "Dries has great quality, but all attackers are important to us, each for its particular characteristics. Today Mertens played very well and has contributed to achieving victory. Moreover, the important thing is you are doing everything you need to grow and improve in the long term".

The media present at the press conference also noted the work of Higuain, who finished the game with two assists: "Gonzalo technically can always make the difference. He is improving in terms of his fitness and today has made two important assists. He will soon be one hundred percent to show his high quality in front of the goal".

In the game there had been several controversial moments, highlighted by the Fiorentina penalty. Benitez commented on the incident explaining that "if I said nothing of officiating after the match in Rome's Olympic stadium, and I'll say the same again. We could talk about Mertens entry into the book early in the second half or the sending off of Maggio. Instead, I prefer to talk about football and analyze how we approach the game and what we have had to do on the field to win in a great match", concluded the coach.