Gian Piero Gasperini has said that he expects Napoli to be back to their best when they visit the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday evening, but has warned that Napoli are ‘also in a good position’.
The Atalanta coach gave his customary pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, ahead of the return of Serie A action following a two-week pause for the recent international break.
Saturday’s encounter is an important affair for both teams involved, as Atalanta currently sit in fifth place in the league table, just one point and one place behind opponents Napoli.
The Partenopei will also be led out by the returning Walter Mazzarri for his first game since being announced as Rudi Garcia’s successor.
“They are always a very strong team, one that dominated the championship last year,” Gasperini told the press on Friday.
“I expect the best from Napoli, but we are also in a good position in the league. For us it has always been a good match to measure ourselves, tomorrow we will certainly find out what level we are at.”
Gasperini also spoke of Charles De Ketelaere, who had a brilliant start to life with Atalanta after joining on loan with an option to buy from Milan in the summer.
The Belgian has, however, struggled for form in front of goal again in recent weeks, something that has been pointed out by the media during the international break.
“It doesn’t worry me, he’s still a growing player,” Gasperini said in De Ketelaere’s defence.
“He’s had a chance to recover physically, he certainly still seems to be growing from a physical point of view. He’s playing off the back of a tough season, that affects everyone, but now he’s finding his way. The spotlight is always on him, but he’s a player with lots of qualities and he needs to show them off.”
Then, on Gianluca Scamacca, Gasperini added: “Like De Ketelaere, they both had tricky seasons last year. It’s not going to be the case that you score 3 goals in one season and then 40 in the next. He needs continuity, competitive spirit and to be involved.”
Lastly, Gasperini was asked for his predictions ahead of the Derby d’Italia between league leaders Inter and second placed Juventus on Sunday.
“It’s easy to say that Inter are the current favourites to win the Scudetto, up until now they have given that sense. Juventus definitely have time to grow and challenge them, though.