Bianchi: Napoli more beautiful than ‘speculative’ Mourinho’s Roma

Former coach Ottavio Bianchi feels there is ‘no comparison’ between Napoli and Roma in terms of beauty, although ‘football often goes beyond that.’

The coach who won the Serie A title in 1986-87 and the UEFA Cup in 1988-89 at Napoli, previewed the Partenopei’s away clash against José Mourinho’s Roma in an interview with La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Who will be the favourite at the Stadio Olimpico?

“It’s hard to say, Napoli are doing well in every sense, they have no weak points. They have a lot of options in attack and are solid at the back.

“I don’t see frustrated players and even those involved even for just 15 minutes, give their best. This makes the difference, especially with five substitutions available.

“A charismatic character like Mourinho has motivated and charged the environment. Roma are a very practical team, they have a speculative style that it’s paying off,” he continued.

“In terms of beauty [between Napoli and Roma], it’s not even a contest. However, football often goes beyond that, especially in a single game.”

Victor Osimhen has recently returned to action, but Giacomo Raspadori replaced the Nigeria international properly and is one of the most in-form players at the Stadio Maradona.

“With Osimhen, you can play even more vertically, while Raspadori is one of the most interesting Italian players,” noted Bianchi.

“If he plays, Napoli must be a bit like Barcelona with Messi, Xavi and Iniesta. Move the ball quickly to tire opponents out and then hit.”

Bianchi was also a Roma player from 1990 until 1992.

“Napoli was life to me, I was a player, a coach and a director for the club. I’ve learned so much from Neapolitan philosophy. Life lessons, more than just professional,” he said.

“I spent two years in Rome but met great people, like Mr Viola and his wife Flora. He was a great president.”