Napoli manager Antonio Conte said his side lacked hunger in the second half of their shock 2-1 defeat by promoted Como on Sunday which denied them the top spot in Serie A, but the Italian refused to blame his players.

While Napoli restored parity after centre-back Amir Rrahmani gifted the lead to Como in the seventh minute with an own goal, they looked far from their best after the break as winger Assane Diao nette

Cesc Fabregas' Como side dented Napoli's Serie A title hopes as Assane Diao's second-half goal proved decisive on Sunday.

An Amir Rrahamani own goal had seen the Partenopei go down early in the game. This was followed by a Giacomo Raspadori equaliser in the 17th minute. But Assane Diao scored in the 77th minute and the goal proved to be the winner for Cesc Fabregas’ side, who continue to impress in the second half of the season.

Conte's side are five points clear of third-placed Atalanta, but head into Sunday's visit to Como on the back of three successive draws