Brendan Rodgers claims Leicester proved they can compete with the best in the Europa League

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers believes his side proved they can compete with the best in the Europa League despite blowing a 2-0 lead to draw with Napoli.

Victor Osimhen‘s second-half double earned the Italians a 2-2 draw to deny the Foxes victory in their opening Group C game.

The striker levelled with three minutes left having pulled a goal back after Ayoze Perez and Harvey Barnes gave Leicester the advantage.

Wilfred Ndidi was also sent off in injury time for a second yellow card to add to the Foxes’ woes.

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers (centre) believes his side can compete with the best

Victor Osimhen levels for Serie A side Napoli with left to play having already pulled one back

Rodgers said: ‘It was a really good measure for us. Napoli are arguably the favourites for the competition but we were very competitive.

‘We are disappointed to lose the goals but there is still a lot for us to be happy about and lots for us to analyse where we can do better.

‘It was a really exciting game for the neutral, I was really pleased with the team in terms of the mentality, the goals and the resilience for a lot of the game.

Ayoze Perez celebrates scoring the opening goal for Leicester to hand the hosts the lead

Wilfred Ndidi is sent off in injury time following a second yellow to add to Leicester’s woes

‘I didn’t think the referee was very good all night and Wilf was unfortunate, he picked up the booking early on and was fighting to get across to stop the attacker getting away. It was a little bit harsh.’

In this season’s Europa League, the group winners advance to the last 16, while the runners-up take on one of the lucky losers from the Champions League in the last 32. 

Leicester face early group leaders Legia Warsaw in Poland on September 30.