Vincenzo Italiano expects Napoli to make life difficult for Fiorentina in tomorrow’s game at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The Partenopei’s match against the Viola will kick off at 14.00 UK time tomorrow and it’s a key game for both sides at this stage of the season. For the hosts, it’s a match in which they cannot afford to drop points as they jostle with Milan and Inter for the Scudetto, whilst Fiorentina are in the thick of battle for a European spot.
Speaking in a press conference today, Italiano first discussed what kind of match he expects from his Fiorentina team tomorrow.
“It’s been a good week, we’ve worked well ahead of a very difficult game against a team that is in good form and that we knew from the start would be among the favourites. There will be a big crowd and we will have to be ready, like in the Cup. Napoli will make it difficult for us.”
He spoke highly about the midfield available to Luciano Spalletti.
“It is very strong, it has all the perfect qualities. I think it’s the team that has scored the most from outside the box, Ruiz is a sniper, then there’s Zielinski, as well as Demme and Lobotka. They have a great midfield.”
The Fiorentina coach commented on the respect he holds for his Napoli counterpart.
“He also wants to make an impact, determine and have possession of the game, playing in the opponent’s half of the pitch. There is great esteem, he is a great coach and he is proving it. He has taken Napoli to a very high level. He’s one of the best in Italy.”
Finally, Italiano commented on what Napoli should look to fear from Fiorentina tomorrow.
“I don’t know. I don’t know what Spalletti has in his head. We’ll try to get people talking about us at the end of the game. I’m never quiet in any game.
“I hope we will give Napoli a specific feeling, I was amazed by the personality we put on the pitch at San Siro against Inter, tomorrow we will need the same thing. We’ll need desire, sacrifice and quality.”
Fiorentina currently sit 8th in the Serie A table after 30 games with 50 points, four behind 5th place Roma and two behind 6th place Lazio, meaning they’re only a few good results away from reaching European competition.
#Italiano presenta #NapoliFiorentina https://t.co/KpLwxIpeuZ
— 100x100Napoli (@100x100Napoli) April 9, 2022