Adana Demirspor coach Vincenzo Montella commented on the Serie A title race, the passing of Gianluca Vialli and if his club will sign Diego Demme from Napoli.
The Turkish outfit have been heavily linked with a move for the 31-year-old German midfielder in recent weeks, with the Partenopei reportedly keen to lighten up their squad a little, possibly making space for transfer target Azzedine Ounahi. Milan’s draw with Roma yesterday means Napoli have a seven-point lead at the top of the Serie A table.
Speaking to Radio Rai, Montella first discussed Milan’s draw with Roma, which ended 2-2.
“Milan-Roma last night showed that the game never ends, and that football is unpredictable until the end. Milan deserved the win at the beginning, but Roma’s mental strength was rewarded.”
He gave his thoughts on the Serie A title race this season.
“Napoli have a good lead, but that I believe the season is not over. I’m happy for Napoli and for Spalletti, who would deserve to win the Scudetto in Italy as well, for who he is and his career. The season is still very long and Spalletti knows this.”
The Adana coach touched on the legacy of Vialli following his death aged 58.
“The passing of Gianluca Vialli was a great pain, even though we knew for years about his illness. The way he faced it was and is an example for so many people who suffer, because he was able to face it head on, without shame, trying to be an example for those around him as well.
“Obviously he was a great footballer, but he was also a great man, of culture and intelligence, who knew how to leave many lessons for his family and not only that, also for people who suffer.”
Montella discussed Adana’s transfer market objectives and if they’re looking at any players in Serie A.
“Something we are trying to do although it is not easy. We lack something in some positions, let’s see….
“Demme? Let’s see if Napoli sells him, I don’t know if he is outgoing. However, he is a very interesting player, I used to follow him a lot even when I was coaching in Florence, before the player came to Serie A.”
He spoke about if he was planning to return to Serie A in the future.
“Who can say, football runs fast. Now I’m happy here, we are fighting for the top of the standings and it wasn’t easy given the big names there. I still feel very young as a coach.”
Finally, Montella discussed if there was a lack of emerging Italian talent.
“Numerically we definitely lack something, especially at the international level. It depends on the generations, the cycles, maybe of playing less in the streets, but it’s a random fact. In Italy something is moving, with Scamacca and Lucca, who are making space for themselves.”