Fabio Cannavaro highlighted the importance of Napoli’s match against Venezia today following Inter’s derby loss to Milan.
The Nerazzurri’s 2-1 loss to the Rossoneri yesterday means that they are only one point ahead of their intercity rivals now, and four ahead of Luciano Spalletti’s side. A Partenopei win today against Venezia would also take them one point behind Simone Inzaghi’s squad, although the Milanese side do have a game in hand.
Speaking in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cannavaro first discussed the difficulties heading into today’s match against Venezia.
“Spalletti is right, the difficult match to win is today’s one against Venezia. Under the character aspect, the team showed some limits and the difference in the table was caused by the home defeats against Empoli and Spezia.
“Last year Champions League qualification slipped away because of a point lost to Verona. It’s on that, on the mentality, that Luciano must work.”
The 2006 Ballon d’Or winner then commented on the title race this season and the fallout of Inter’s derby loss to Milan yesterday.
“First of all, we’ll focus on Venezia and nothing else. Then I don’t think Inter will feel the blow too much. The team is solid and plays more freely, with more imagination than in the past.
“But then you can’t underestimate the challenges against small and medium-sized teams, against those who need points to save their lives.
“That’s why it seems to be repetitive, but if we don’t win in Venice these speeches lose their meaning. Obviously, if we win today everything would be open again.”
Napoli have a difficult month ahead of them; after today’s Venezia clash, they’ll face Inter, two Europa League legs against Barcelona, Cagliari, Lazio and Milan, setting up a tough 30 days for Spalletti and his team.