Jose Mourinho warns Napoli that they might be ‘the favourites’ against Roma in Serie A tomorrow, but that is no guarantee for success at the Stadio Olimpico, and stands up for Nicolò Zaniolo against UEFA.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Stadio Olimpico.
This is the Derby del Sole between the two biggest clubs in the South of Italy, who are also doing battle in the top four.
Luciano Spalletti’s Partenopei have won 10 consecutive games in all competition, while the Giallorossi are fourth in Serie A.
“After so many games in a row, we had a week to finally get some work done in training,” said Mourinho in his press conference.
“It is a general opinion that Napoli are the favourites, but at times the side that is the favourite also loses. We have the right to play our game.
“Spalletti knows that he could lose and that is not a bluff. He also knows his team is at the top of the table and in great shape, but that it won’t be easy. We both know it’s going to be a difficult match.”
Mourinho bristled at the suggestion his Roma are one of the more defensive teams in Serie A, especially compared to the all-attack Napoli.
“If you look at the statistics for goals scored, yes, but not the chances created. We are the eighth best strike force in Serie A not because we are defensive, but because we make too many mistakes in front of goal. It can also be a matter of luck, as sometimes the ball goes in off your knee, your shoulder, your butt!
“We had 20 attempts on goal against Atalanta and then lost to a side that had only one shot. Napoli scored many goals, defend well and we’ll try to see what we can achieve.”
There was news from UEFA yesterday that Zaniolo has seen his one-match Europa League ban extended to three games as punishment for an off the ball incident against Real Betis.
“Zaniolo is in a moment of his career where he needs to grow, improve and understand the sport. When you are more attacking, you are usually also more instinctive, but in midfield it is also necessary to consider and evaluate the situation around you, not run so many risks.
“The game with Sampdoria showed me that Zaniolo has grown emotionally. When he starts on the bench, he now has only one thought in his mind: I want my team to win. I saw that maturity and that is very important.
“At the same time, I think a three-match ban for a red card that could easily have been a yellow is a big much. Everything is excessive around this young lad and I need to defend him.”