Fabio Cannavaro believes Napoli “deserve something more than Roma” from this season.
The teams meet today at the Olimpico, for live coverage of the match check out our Liveblog.
“It’s a delicate moment for both teams,” Cannavaro told Il Mattino.
Fabio Cannavaro believes Napoli “deserve something more than Roma” from this season.
The teams meet today at the Olimpico, for live coverage of the match check out our Liveblog.
“It’s a delicate moment for both teams,” Cannavaro told Il Mattino.
“Napoli deserve something more than Roma after what they’ve shown this season. They’re running a risk though if they don’t go to the Olimpico with the right mentality, preparation and mood.
“They’ve got [Gonzalo] Higuain back after three weeks [of suspension], with their complete squad they can go there and win and wrap-up Champions League qualification. They have the strength to do it.
“Experience tells me that you should always play to win, and Sarri will certainly do that.
“In the event of a negative result the situation would become complicated, because the gap would be at two points and the end of the season won’t be easy. No-one will give any gifts.
“How important is Higuain? Very. Gonzalo is having an extraordinary season, he’s scored 30 goals and confirmed himself as one of the best strikers in the world.
“There’s a question mark over his three weeks out though, even a great champion like him needs to get back up to speed.
“In Rome they’ll need balance and vigilance, Sarri is a master of managing the tactics though. After this season with Sarri it would be suicide to let him go and start over again.”
Cannavaro has moved into Coaching after hanging up his boots, and was asked about the Italian school, as well as his own future.
“Italy is no longer a reference point, but it remains the best school for Coaches. The best Coaches are Italian, they’re popular and successful abroad.
“[Jose] Mourinho who Coached Inter and [Pep] Guardiola who played for Roma and Brescia have an Italian influence too. Why look abroad then?
“The work of Sarri and [Roma’s Luciano] Spalletti is confirmation of these qualities. There are a lot of good Coaches, but unfortunately there have been too many sackings this season.
“My future? I rejected some offers in China and Europe. I’m waiting, there’s no rush.
“Am I waiting for the Italy job? I spent 16 years in that environment, and I defy anyone to say no to the national team.
“I’d be a hypocrite if I said I wasn’t thinking about it, but I’m a realist. I’m glad I chose this career, I didn’t think I’d like Coaching so much and I’m trying to deepen my knowledge.
“I’m going to Sevilla to study Unai Emery, the Coach who has won the last two Europa Leagues.”