Lorenzo Insigne believes Napoli have closed the gap on Juventus – “everyone here wants to win something important”.
The Partenopei finished third last season, but were arguably the best team in Serie A for the second half of the season, and the squad has made a pact to stay together this summer for a serious assault on the title.
“[Coach Maurizio] Sarri has a great idea of football,” Insigne told Gazzetta dello Sport.
Lorenzo Insigne believes Napoli have closed the gap on Juventus – “everyone here wants to win something important”.
The Partenopei finished third last season, but were arguably the best team in Serie A for the second half of the season, and the squad has made a pact to stay together this summer for a serious assault on the title.
“[Coach Maurizio] Sarri has a great idea of football,” Insigne told Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Everyone says Napoli play the best football in Italy, and we’re proud of that, but it’s time to win something. That’s only right when you play so well.
“Are we ready for the Scudetto? We already showed it last year. We finished a step behind second and five points from first.
“Without those points we dropped with Palermo, Sassuolo and other teams… I’m not saying we’d have won the Scudetto, but we’d have fought to the end.
“So Juventus are closer? I think so, yes. The difference is that they never slip-up against the smaller sides.
“Bonucci’s departure? I think it surprised everyone, not least the timing: in 24 hours they [Milan] closed an incredible deal. I have a great relationship with him, I sent him a good luck text.
“He was crucial to the way Juventus play, so this should give us more confidence. Juve have lost a certainty in defence.
“And also, with a year more for [Giorgio] Chiellini and [Andrea] Barzagli something could be lost.
“The last three months of last season were extraordinary and we’re convinced we’re a great team which has to start again from there.
“The fact that everyone has stayed is an advantage. People say President [Aurelio] De Laurentiis doesn’t make sacrifices, but with my renewal and [Dries] Mertens’ he sent a very strong signal: everyone here wants to win something important.
“Could Milan challenge too? They’ve made important signings, but they’ve taken a lot of foreigners and the first year in Italy is hard for everyone.
“It won’t be easy to fight for the Scudetto right away. [Andrea] Conti and [Franck] Kessié’s arrivals will also have to be evaluated over time: they’re coming off a fantastic season, but playing for Milan gives a different pressure.
“Inter have taken a Coach [Luciano Spalletti] who finished above us last year, and we’ll see what kind of squad they have at the end of the transfer window.
“Roma have changed course, with a new Coach [Eusebio Di Francesco] and a new sporting director [Monchi], but they’ve sold important players.
“I think we have to look at ourselves first though, and give our all to really understand where we can get to.
“A tattoo for the Scudetto? Naples has been waiting for too long. Let’s just say I’m ready to get a tattoo… my back is still free…”