Former Inter midfielder Radja Nainggolan fears the World Cup break may affect Napoli and claims Edin Dzeko is the ‘best striker’ he’s ever played with.
Nainggolan played under Spalletti at Roma and Inter and is delighted with Napoli’s impressive results in the first part of the campaign.
“Spalletti is one of the best coaches out there. He was the perfect coach for me,” he told Gazzetta.
The Serie A leaders, the only unbeaten team in Europe’s top five leagues will face Inter at San Siro tomorrow.
“What will be the consequences of the break?” wondered the ex-Inter and Roma midfielder.
“I think it can only affect Napoli because they had found the right balance. It can be natural to find it again, but there is also a risk. It must be said that the Azzurri play the best brand of football. I am sure that every fan, regardless of their favourite team, appreciates the way Napoli play.
“Kvaratskhelia has been surprising and the coach has used him in the best possible way. All the team works, they know how to move well, being effective and entertaining,” continued Nainggolan.
“Luciano will prepare the game against Inter in the same way. He plays attacking football, he doesn’t wait for his opponents. Lobotka will be a key, I didn’t know him well, but I knew Spalletti wanted him at Inter. The Nerazzurri won’t rely on Brozovic, but Calhaoglu has done well in that position, despite not being as good defensively.”
Nevertheless, the Belgian sent another warning to his ex-coach.
“Dzeko is the best striker I’ve ever played with. He knows how to do everything and he can play with Lukaku. Keep an eye on my friend Juan Jesus, he looks like a reserve, but he is doing so well.”
Why hasn’t Spalletti ever won the Serie A title?
“They’ve always faced a dominant Juventus, but the league is more balanced now. I believe that if Napoli play in the same way they did in the first part of the season, they will win the title deservedly.”