Beppe Iachini explained his tactical switch as Palermo picked Napoli apart. “We had to be aggressive all over the pitch.”
The Coach has never lost to Rafa Benitez, earning two away draws and this impressive 3-1 win.
“The lads have put in many performances like this, but not always getting the results they deserved,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
Beppe Iachini explained his tactical switch as Palermo picked Napoli apart. “We had to be aggressive all over the pitch.”
The Coach has never lost to Rafa Benitez, earning two away draws and this impressive 3-1 win.
“The lads have put in many performances like this, but not always getting the results they deserved,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“We had to be aggressive in every area of the pitch, not giving Napoli time or space on the ball, then going on the counter. We achieved those aims.
“We’ve been working on the tactical system for a few weeks and it might be new to us, but the players did very well. Don’t forget we also had three strikers attacking their central midfielders at the San Paolo and it worked there, so we wanted to repeat it.
“Our idea was to press the midfielders and quickly send the ball forward for our attacking runs, at the same time stopping Napoli from supplying their strikers. We couldn’t leave their central midfielders with time on the ball to pick the right passes with their excellent technique.
“My players worked hard to break up the play and then go on the counter, often with the right quality to score.
“Against Inter our pressing wasn’t as good, but we discussed some situations during the week and the lads had the right intensity tonight.”
Paulo Dybala impressed without getting on the scoresheet, but is at the centre of tense contract renegotiations.
“The important thing is that Paulo remains concentrated. We know the agents are talking to the club and we hope the situation will move forward.
“I must also compliment Barreto, who played with the right attitude despite a few issues. It is proof this squad has found the right mentality.
“Unfortunately we haven’t picked up the points we deserved to away from home and made some avoidable errors. We need to improve our character away from home, using the same mentality and spirit as we have at the Barbera, but many of our players are inexperienced.”