Napoli defender Mario Rui believes “there will be five” teams competing for the Scudetto this season.
The Partenopei finished second last year despite amassing 91 points, but still finished four points behind champions Juventus.
“If we continue on this path we can do really well, and we hope things can go even better than last year,” Rui told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.
Napoli defender Mario Rui believes “there will be five” teams competing for the Scudetto this season.
The Partenopei finished second last year despite amassing 91 points, but still finished four points behind champions Juventus.
“If we continue on this path we can do really well, and we hope things can go even better than last year,” Rui told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.
“We want to improve on last year, we didn’t win the league but we went close. I hope we can keep growing, and this year could even be better than last year.
“This is a team that has grown over the years since [former Coach Maurizio] Sarri came in. Every year has always been better, we hope that can continue with Ancelotti.
“Last year there were only two teams competing for the Scudetto, but this year there will be five, all of whom have strengthened.
“It will be one of the most beautiful leagues.
“Working with Ancelotti? It’s great, I didn’t know him before, I only knew what he’d won. He was a surprise though, we found a humble person who gave us great serenity.”
It was then put to the Portuguese full-back that Napoli seem to have a fantastic team spirit.
“That was always the case, I said last year I felt like I’d been at Napoli for a long time. This is a warm and welcoming Napoli group.
“There’s a lot of friendship between us and you can see that on the pitch too.”
This weekend the Partenopei face Milan, with Pepe Reina returning to the San Paolo for the first time.
“I think they’re stronger than last year,” Rui said.
”They didn’t play the first game, but we watched their match against Real Madrid and we saw they’re a strong team with great individuals. I hope we keep the three points though.
“As for Reina, he’ll be an opponent but it’ll be a beautiful occasion. He’s a real friend, he was a brother – almost a father.
“It will be really emotional to see him again, I’m very glad.”
The defender was also asked about his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Juventus.
“It’s very good, because since he arrived there’s been a lot more attention on us from abroad. This will be one of the best seasons in recent years.
“Being able to face these champions is a source of pride, it motivates you and really makes you believe you can beat them.
“It won’t be easy of course, but we’ll try to do it.”