Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis held a Twitter Press conference, covering the big Roma game, Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne and Pepe Reina’s acting.
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis held a Twitter Press conference, covering the big Roma game, Marco Verratti, Lorenzo Insigne and Pepe Reina’s acting.
The film producer has engaged with the fans in several of these events and answered questions for around two hours from Los Angeles this afternoon.
“I will watch Roma-Napoli at my home in Los Angeles with my son Luigi and my wife,” he said of Friday’s big Serie A showdown.
“There are too many days leading up to this game and the stress of waiting is starting to take its toll.”
De Laurentiis was asked whether Insigne will be tired, considering he played the full 90 minutes of last night’s Italy 2-2 Armenia match.
“I am a generous person, so as the first goal came from an intelligent move constructed by Lorenzo, he set the example for his teammates and they hugged him when Alessandro Florenzi scored. At that point I too wanted him to stay on the pitch.
“Which player excites me the most? The whole team does. The game I liked the most this season was our win over Borussia Dortmund, the Vice-Champions of Europe.
“My dream is to internationalise Napoli and the Neapolitan philosophy all over the world.”
Inter have already made that step, as this week Massimo Moratti sold 70 per cent of the club to Indonesian magnate Erick Thohir.
“Moratti’s exit would make us all sad, but by maintaining 30 per cent I am certain he will make his voice heard.
“The biggest challengers for the Scudetto are Roma, Inter and Fiorentina along with, naturally, Juventus.”
De Laurentiis answered questions on his transfer strategy for January, including interest in PSG midfielder Verratti.
“Am I still interested in Verratti? He’s a great player and I think everyone would be pleased to have him in the squad.
“Our side is complete and Rafa Benitez is getting to know it even better, making use of everyone. Our transfer market is open and our observers are ready to suggest options. We must have patience, because the fans expect to always sign world famous diva players, but we must also help grow youngsters. If we had not focused on Insigne, today he’d be wearing a different jersey. Think on that…
“Will there be a new technical sponsor for Napoli? We have been studying eventual new collaborations for several months.
“It is not in my intention to ever abandon what I’m doing and what I believe in. Relax, unfortunately you’ll have to put up with me for a long time to come!
“Will I promise never to sell Marek Hamsik? As well as being a great player, Marek is an extraordinary man. He loves the city of Naples as if it were his own.
“As for buying a satellite club, it is not easy, as this requires a very long process. It’s even worse for me, as I’m maniacal about marketing.”
Juventus President Andrea Agnelli proposed a European Super League, something De Laurentiis has pushed for in the past.
“I’ve had that idea for many years and it’s pleasing to see Andrea agrees with me. It would be the only way to save the world of football.
“Since 1996, when clubs became financial institutions on the stock exchange aimed at making a profit, we haven’t had an open discussion with the Federation to modify what needs changing. At the time the Presidents of the FIGC saw their position as purely political. I hope we can adjust football to suit modern times.”
The film producer also confirmed he invited Pope Francis to attend a game and has roped in some of the Napoli players as actors in one of his Christmas movies.
“Reina surprised me with his acting skills!”