Napoli defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo has played down the importance of the Partenopei’s recent 4-0 loss to AC Milan ahead of the Champions League quarter-final between the two sides.
Speaking during his press conference ahead of Wednesday’s match (via Milan News), the Italian defender said that there is no fear about that scoreline happening again and stressed that it was a different Napoli.
“About the championship game we talked too much about it. Now we turn the page, we have prepared well and are ready to take the field. The victory in Lecce gave us morale,” Di Lorenzo began.
“Zero fear. We were not the usual Napoli, we were not the usual team. Tomorrow will be a completely different game.”
He will find himself up against Rafael Leao who scored twice in the Serie A match in what was his best game of the season. Di Lorenzo knows that he must limit Leao’s influence on the game.
“Strong, quality player but we have to be careful with the whole team. We will have to limit him to get a good result,” Di Lorenzo explained.
A major factor in the game is that Victor Osimhen will be missing through injury but Di Lorenzo stressed that Napoli do not rely on just one player.
“We know he is a great player and very important but we don’t depend only on one player. I have full confidence in those who are there and we are calm.”
On whether Giacomo Raspadori needs any advice to take Osimhen’s place, he said: “No advice. Although he is very young he has experience, won a European Championship and is very important for us. He has been held back by injuries but he is a player who can make a difference.”
A key part of Napoli’s success this season in Serie A and in the Champions League is the fact that players from all over the pitch have scored goals.
“When we defenders add some goals it is important for the team. We unlocked it in Lecce on a spot kick. Details make the difference, we will try to exploit our qualities on set pieces,” he said.
