Walter Mazzarri feels the Christmas break “did Napoli good” ahead of tomorrow night’s Derby del Sud against Roma.
Walter Mazzarri feels the Christmas break “did Napoli good” ahead of tomorrow night’s Derby del Sud against Roma.
The Partenopei ended 2012 in dire straits, as they were docked two points in the betting scandal, saw Paolo Cannavaro and Gianluca Grava suspended for six months and lost four in a row in all competition.
“I have the feeling the break did Napoli good,” said Coach Mazzarri in his Press conference.
“A few players were really tired and needed to rest. Lorenzo Insigne and Goran Pandev are both fired up and eager to play, so the decision is up to me.
“Roma are a very strong side and we need to be concentrated. They have a good mixture of young and experienced players, enough to create an explosive cocktail. I know the stadium will be packed out like any big occasion and that is pleasing.”
The transfer window is going to be particularly busy at Napoli, as Udinese’s Pablo Armero is on his way next week, while Hugo Campagnaro could be leaving. Salvatore Aronica and Andrea Dossena have gone to Palermo.
“When Armero is a Napoli player, then I will talk about him. The January transfer window isn’t usually very effective for the teams battling at the top of the table. Everyone also needs that little bit of luck to get the right man in the right place.
“Campagnaro? He has a contract and is a great professional. I spoke to him several times and he assured me that as long as he is at Napoli, he will give 100 per cent. Campagnaro will play tomorrow.
“I hope the bans can be removed as soon as possible, because Grava and Cannavaro are two exceptional guys.”