Napoli coach Rafa Benitez was pleased with their 1-1 draw against Lazio in the first-leg of the Coppa Italia semifinal.

Miroslav Klose put Lazio ahead before Manolo Gabbiadini earned Napoli their draw.

"We saw a game with intensity and pace - the rain made it feel like the Premier League! - and the players were perfect considering we have so many games at the moment," Benitez told Rai Sport.

"I said many times that we rotate the squad to maintain sharpness, which was important tonight against an intense side like Lazio and especially on a quick pitch.

"This is a strong squad, Riccardo Bigon and his staff are working to make it strong not just for next season, but well into the future."