Assistant coach Marco Domenichini said Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti ‘always had full conficende’ in Lorenzo Insigne’s abilities from the penalty spot and the captain replied with a brace in the 3-0 win over Bologna.
Domenichini was in the dugout as Spalletti oversaw the match from the stands due to the suspension he sustained at Roma last time.
And Napoli bounced back with a great performance against Bologna, when Fabian Ruiz scored the opening goal from 20 yards and Insigne added two from the penalty spot on either side of the interval.
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“There’s no doubt that he is a penalty taker who has no problems,” Domenichini told Sky Sport Italia. “He had some issues recently, but the coach has always had full confidence in him.”
“Today we did well, at the beginning we had some problems, then we gained confidence and managed the situation well. I congratulate the team.”
Domenichini has worked with Spalletti for 24 years and was asked what the former Roma and Inter coach does different at Napoli.
“They are quality teams, this one has many and has a healthy group of players, which follows what the coach proposes,” he said.
“There are still many games, there’s a lot to do, but the desire will always be maximum.
“With the five changes, they are all motivated, it’s essential that there are no unhappy people. The team helps us, they are always ready to do their best.”
Domenichini was asked about Spalletti’s relationship with Naples and replied with a joke.
“It’s a very good relationship, apart from having his car stolen,” he said, in reference to the Fiat Panda that went missing earlier this month.
“It’s a joke, I’m joking. It’s a good relationship, and the team always responds to his requests.”
Napoli have kept seven clean sheets in 10 Serie A games and Domenichini explained why Kalidou Koulibaly and Giovanni Di Lorenzo are always in the team.
“They are important players, but there are many others of that level. In this situation, even for injuries, Di Lorenzo has never been able to rest,” he said. “But they are players who give something extra.
“[The defence] is the strong part because there’s a midfield that covers and an attack that works in the defensive phase.
“It’s the team that works well, the credit goes to everyone, even if the defence are doing good things.”