Alberto Bigon, the man who guided Napoli to their second ever Scudetto in the 1989-90 season, weighed in on the work of Luciano Spalletti and his squad this campaign.
Bigon, who spent nine years of his playing career with Milan, was the head coach of the Partenopei from 1989 to 1991, guiding them to a Scudetto and Supercoppa Italiana before leaving following a disappointing eighth place finish.
33 years later, Spalletti is ready to write his name into Napoli’s history books, transforming the team and guiding them to their third Scudetto, an achievement that already could’ve been confirmed had they beaten Salernitana on Sunday.
Speaking to Radio Rai, Bigon first discussed the decision to postpone Napoli’s clash with Salernitana to allow for possible celebrations.
“It was an intelligent and right thing to do from the point of view of safety, now another chapter will open in Udine. The Scudetto discourse could be resolved before the match, we just have to wait to see the Neapolitan people celebrate, definitively.”
He was asked what has changed at Napoli since his time in charge of the club.
“The two situations are completely different, on our way to the stadium the fans threw tons of salt out of superstition because it wasn’t done yet.”
The former coach commented on the work of Spalletti over the last few seasons.
“Spalletti’s work is there for all to see, I found important similarities on the team on what is the strength of the group.
“We had some excellent forwards, but what made the difference was all the other guys. I imagine Spalletti will appreciate the work of the whole group.”
He touched on the Partenopei’s recent drop in form.
“I think more than a physical problem it’s a psychological one. With a 17-point lead over the second placed team, you don’t enter the pitch with the same hunger.”
Finally, Bigon gave his thoughts on the upcoming Champions League semi-final tie between Milan and Inter.
“Inter’s squad is perhaps the best in Italy, Milan will have to play a great game to put Inter in trouble, who this year are excelling in the one-off games.”