Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti has insisted that AC Milan will not be more motivated than his side to win on Sunday, but praised the Rossoneri’s project.
The Rossoneri and the Partenopei go into the game knowing that a win would put them top and would provide big leverage over the other side, but they approach it in contrasting moods. Milan are winless in three games having dropped points against Salernitana and Udinese in the league, while Napoli arrive after a last minute win away against Lazio.
Spalletti spoke to reporters on the eve of the game at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in his pre-match press conference, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“We have had many injuries, I think Milan too, we had to fix many things, here was the skill of the players, infected not only by Covid but also in distributing the qualities in the relays,” he said.
“We have built strength in the difficulties of the team, then on other situations I find nothing else and I congratulate Milan for Pioli’s career over the years, he has built a great team with Massara whom I know well, I have spoken to Maldini several times, they are a strong club.”
Spalletti also insisted that his side are in a good mood going into the game and that it is not possible for Milan to be more motivated than his squad.
“My feelings are good, I don’t know those of others, but they can’t be more motivated than us. Together with the team we are building a good team, all together, I also include the fans that characterises us in being Neapolitans.”
Finally, he was asked characteristics Napoli can do better than Milan and where they should perhaps be more careful compared to other opponents.
“In addition to the plays, the intuition and the talent, there is a need to fill the game with more physical impact. Milan are strong, they have characteristics with a short build-up alternating with a long.
“They occasionally bring the ball back to the goalkeeper and then puts it behind the defensive line because you try to be short and tight and he throws the ball on the other side where he has very fast players and reverses the action, a little bit like what we do with Osimhen.
“It is not only being tidy and tight, but also knowing how to stretch and open and pull these one-on-one fanning around with physicality and running.”
