Carlo Ancelotti believes Napoli can finally prove themselves against Juventus, as in their last encounter “we were still trying to find our style.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“It is an important match for the campaign, nothing more, but with the desire and ambition to play at our best and prove we’re competitive against a very strong opponent,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
Carlo Ancelotti believes Napoli can finally prove themselves against Juventus, as in their last encounter “we were still trying to find our style.”
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“It is an important match for the campaign, nothing more, but with the desire and ambition to play at our best and prove we’re competitive against a very strong opponent,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“When we met earlier this season, Napoli were still trying to find our style. Now we are more consolidated, in better shape both physically and mentally, so there’s no better time for us to face Juventus.
“Massimiliano Allegri reads the game well, is more focused on players rather than tactical systems, so in that sense we view football more or less the same way.”
It is a reunion for Ancelotti with his former Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I’m always happy to see him. If he plays, that’s an extra problem for us, but it’s always a pleasure to face the best. Nobody is unbeatable. Juve have a lot of quality, experience, physicality and we’ve got to make it a game all about intensity.
“The Bianconeri have dominated Italian football in recent years because they invested so much and have a great deal of history behind them. Having their own stadium also brings in fresh revenue.”
The Partenopei go into this weekend 13 points adrift of the Serie A leaders, as they seem to slip up in the ‘smaller’ fixtures where Juve do not.
“We played well enough against Torino, Fiorentina and of course Parma, but couldn’t make it count with a goal. In other situations, we won at the last minute despite not playing as well.
“The Stadio San Paolo crowd will certainly help us and there’s a special atmosphere for the players. We are facing the top of the class and want to make a good impression, but above all are in a position to win.
“A victory would keep us in the running for the Scudetto, other results would push our thoughts elsewhere (towards the Europa League, ndr). It’d also be important for our self-confidence to get the win.”
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis told the Corriere dello Sport today that he’d love Ancelotti to remain for the rest of his career.
“I could consider seeing out my career here, but then I am not thinking about closing the book yet… I am very happy here, the club seems happy with me, so there’s no need to set limits.”
Mario Rui is available after injury and can play, while Vlad Chiriches was tested in training, but Ancelotti hints that doesn’t necessarily mean a start.
“Whether they’re ready to play 90 minutes depends on what I ask of them. Even I could play 90 minutes if the Coach just asks me to stand in midfield. I could even do 120 minutes!”