Giacomo Raspadori opened up about his first six months with Napoli, his role in Luciano Spalletti’s system and the club’s ambitions this season.
The 22-year-old Italian forward joined the Partenopei on a loan deal with a conditional obligation to buy clause attached from Sassuolo last summer, adding a promising talent to Spalletti’s squad.
Since his arrival, Raspadori has mostly featured as a strong option off the bench, but has shined in the Champions League, where he’s netted four goals and provided two assists across five group stage games.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Raspadori first reflected on his transfer to Napoli last summer.
“A strong emotion. I hadn’t played so much at the highest level. There were other clubs, but Napoli had more confidence.”
He commented on what he’s learnt since making the move to the Campania capital.
“To have self-awareness. Confidence. I’m an emotional shy person, even if it doesn’t seem like it. The Champions League straight away, the intense training, the pressure, the result that counts for so much more: a start you can hardly dream of.”
The 22-year-old touched on his ideal role on the pitch.
“My natural position is in the centre, where I started, as a striker or trequartista. Let’s say a number 9 and a half.”
Raspadori also spoke about his usage as a mezzala at Napoli.
“Also for Spalletti. I did it in training and in friendlies, I came on like that with Lazio at the Olimpico. I feel more attacking, but I can improve, more Zielinski than Anguissa. If another role makes me play more, why not?”
He commented on the Partenopei’s attacking system under Spalletti.
“The football we develop since Meret’s throw has only one objective: the goal. We don’t know back-passing, we go deep, we create offensive situations.
“Spalletti understood that, for our characteristics, it was easier to get the result through good play.”
The former Sassuolo man spoke about the similarities between Spalletti and Italy coach Roberto Mancini.
“He and Spalletti have group management in common, making everyone feel important. I thank Mancini, despite having zero experience, he took me to the European Championship. Now Spalletti is passing on many footballing concepts to me.”
Raspadori discussed his goals with the national team in the coming years.
“Until now I’ve achieved all the results with work and ambition. I don’t know any other way. The World Cup disappointment was immense, now there’s the European Championship and we must be ready right from Italy-England in Naples.
“I don’t know what I would give for a call-up. But I’m sure there will be no lack of affection from the people, as if Napoli were playing. At England, however, I scored in the Nations League.”
The 22-year-old opened up about his studies and desire to learn.
“I grew up thinking about today to be better tomorrow. I have a family behind me that taught me great values. Study and football go hand in hand.
“I have a scientific diploma, I study Sport Sciences, ten exams out of twenty-two. A challenge. Many think that studying is an alternative, for me it’s an added value, I understand training better.”
He suggested that Spalletti was more rigorous than his university professors.
“Spalletti is more rigorous. He doesn’t give an easy 100%. But I don’t give 100% either. It’s a way of thinking that helps you go further, if it’s not an obsession.
“Spalletti makes himself heard, but everything he proposes, even if he says it more brusquely, he does so to keep us on our guard. The risk is there.”
The Napoli forward spoke a little about the Scudetto.
“It would be hypocritical not to talk about it. It’s a great opportunity built with everyday work. We’ve had it in our heads since day one, the mentality has been the right one, the affection of the fans has been crazy.
“We travel without ever remembering that we have a ten, 15-point lead, thinking only of making three more in the next one. And if the opponents lose, we don’t talk about it.”
He also weighed in on the Champions League this season.
“Another great opportunity. If we remain concrete and carefree, there are no limits in Europe. It’s a question of mentality, we only look at ourselves.
“Eintracht Frankfurt are a European team, always attacking, heads clear. I don’t know if we are favourites, but we have everything to get through the round.”
Raspadori discussed the symbiotic relationship between football and the city of Naples.
“The first thing you hear is that Naples and Napoli go hand in hand. They rejoice and are sad together.
“Nowhere is football like that. I live in Posillipo. For those who, like me, are not used to it, it’s incredible to get up and see the sea from home. And there’s no winter.”
The 22-year-old is already starting to feel like a local.
“I feel Neapolitan. Maybe since always. They used to tell me I had the Neapolitan ‘wickedness’ because of my way of being on the pitch.
“Spalletti sensed it straight away. Playing every three days I don’t have time to enjoy the city, I’ll do it in the summer.”
He noted what he doesn’t like about living in Naples.
“I’m not used to its chaos, walking unnoticed is impossible, but chaos is affection. I have to have the strength to say no, otherwise I would go home every day with 15 mozzarellas.”
Finally, Raspadori spoke about Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
“He’s emotional. He may seem more exuberant like the city, for someone who wasn’t born here, but it’s normal.
“He told me straight away that he has made an important investment in Italian football because he believes in me.”