Napoli Coach Rafa Benitez insists he’s not thinking about the weekend’s game with Roma, because his side are fully focused on Atalanta.

The Partenopei have been inconsistent so far this campaign, with the club originally tipped as title contenders currently sitting eight points off the pace being set by Juventus.

Napoli Coach Rafa Benitez insists he’s not thinking about the weekend’s game with Roma, because his side are fully focused on Atalanta.

The Partenopei have been inconsistent so far this campaign, with the club originally tipped as title contenders currently sitting eight points off the pace being set by Juventus.

Whilst Week 10 presents the opportunity to make up ground on second place Roma with a direct confrontation in Naples, the Vesuviani’s Coach has outlined that first on everyone’s mind is the trip to Bergamo tomorrow evening.

“The game against Roma will only be important if we do what we need to do against Atalanta,” Benitez told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli ahead of the game.

“To think about the Giallorossi and not think about tomorrow’s game would be a huge mistake.

“We have a lot of respect for every team, but especially those which have proved difficult for Napoli in the past [Napoli lost 3-0 in Bergamo last term].

“Explaining last year’s game isn’t easy, we have to forget the game with Verona and only think about this game.

“It will be a difficult game against a team which needs points, as do we. They [Atalanta] deserve respect because they’re a top side.”

Benitez also praised the resurgence in form of Marek Hamsik, as well as the exploits of Jose Callejon, which reportedly have him on the verge of the Spain squad.

“Hamsik has scored three doubles in my time here, so form means nothing. It’s just a matter of trusting him. He’s a top level player who always gives his all for the team.

“He hadn’t been scoring, but the most important thing he does for us is the work he does for the team.

“I remember in the game against Chievo he was fantastic without scoring.

“Callejon? I’m happy. When we decided to sign him it was because of his ability to attack space.

“He can still improve tactically, he should run a little less during the games.

“I’m happy if he is to be called into the national team, but what matters to us is that he’s scoring goals for Napoli every week.”

The Coach has named his squad for tomorrow’s match, with Walter Gargano and Juan Zuniga left out through injury.

Michu is also absent, having trained separately from the squad today for what Benitez commented was an ankle issue.

Napoli squad to face Atalanta: Rafael, Andujar, Colombo, Maggio, Mesto, Ghoulam, Britos, Henrique, Albiol, Koulibaly, Inler, Jorginho, David Lopez, Radosevic, De Guzman, Callejon, Mertens, Insigne, Hamsik, Duvan, Higuain

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