Former Napoli midfielder Mauro believes the team too often struggle in decisive matches following their failure to qualify for the Champions League by losing to Lazio

Gonzalo Higuain’s penalty miss was “a real shame” but Napoli are too often found wanting in key matches, according to former midfielder Massimo Mauro.

Rafael Benitez’s side, needing to win to qualify for the Champions League, found themselves 2-0 down at home to Lazio on Sunday before Higuain’s double dragged them back level.

However, the Argentine striker then blazed over a crucial spot kick before two late goals sealed a 4-2 victory for Stefano Pioli’s side and condemn Napoli to a fifth-placed finish in Serie A.

“Lazio were extraordinary in the first half, then collapsed. Napoli came back brilliantly but seem to suffer in the important moments,” Mauro, who spent four years at the San Paolo, told Sky.

“Higuain is an important striker but that penalty miss was a real shame.”

Napoli themselves declined to speak to the media immediately following the match amid reported threats of violence from their own supporters.