Carlo Ancelotti singled out Simone Verdi for praise after the 4-1 win over Roma and called for Napoli “intensity” against Arsenal.
The Partenopei dominated at the Stadio Olimpico, emerging with a 4-1 victory that could’ve been even broader.
“I expected this type of performance, as I could tell the team was in good shape,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Carlo Ancelotti singled out Simone Verdi for praise after the 4-1 win over Roma and called for Napoli “intensity” against Arsenal.
The Partenopei dominated at the Stadio Olimpico, emerging with a 4-1 victory that could’ve been even broader.
“I expected this type of performance, as I could tell the team was in good shape,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“We were a little too lazy in the first half and adapted to Roma’s tempo, but did better after the break. Alex Meret was a little naïve on the penalty incident.
“Simone Verdi and Amin Younes are improving and I really like Verdi, as he raises the quality level of the team and just needs confidence.
“He was an important investment on the transfer market and is now paying off.”
Roma surprised by moving to 4-2-3-1 tactics, as Nicolò Zaniolo was out with a stomach bug.
“We weren’t sure whether Roma would go 4-3-3, but then we saw Bryan Cristante was behind Edin Dzeko, so we put Elseid Hysaj in a deeper position and built up the play differently.”
With this performance, Ancelotti was asked if Napoli represented the favourites to win the Europa League?
“It is an honour to be considered among the favourites, but we have a very tough quarter-final first. I am convinced we’ll reach that in good shape, but need to play with this intensity. Arsenal are not going to be easy.”