Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti praised the character of his players for their 2-0 win against Empoli.
The Azzurri won despite the dismissal of Mario Rui.
Spalletti said: "That incident was not a sign of maturity, unlike what we saw from the rest of the squad, but we also saw that the other players united together and reacted very well to it.
“The midfielders were so tough in the second half, with really furious faces determined to bring home a result that could be fundamental this season.
“Lobotka is hailed for his quality when the team has possession, but when the opposition try to counter, you can't get past him. He chases everyone down, even those much taller and stronger. He has this almost cubic physique that makes him very difficult to push off his centre of gravity.
“Inter had Financial Fair Play issues at the time and we couldn't sign him then, but the fact Cristiano Giuntoli went for him shows that Lobotka already made an impression on the best sporting directors in Europe.
“We needed Napoli to have the usual quality, but also the same intensity, and Empoli ultimately had to give in. My players deserve huge congratulations for their performance today."