In the build-up to Friday evening’s Serie A clash between Napoli and Lazio at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, comparisons have been drawn between Luciano Spalletti, Maurizio Sarri and their Premier League counterparts, Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp.
Much has been made of the meeting of the two clubs, who both find themselves in the upper echelons of the Serie A table.
Napoli are already a champions-in-waiting. Lazio travel south with the intention of becoming only the fourth side to take any points away from the Partenopei this season.
From the dugout, play will be dictated by two elite managers who bring with them clear and effective, yet contrasting philosophies and styles of play.
“Sarri is more tidy and meticulous while Spalletti is more in line with the times. More fluidity and more of a hybrid unit,” as put by the Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday.
To fans of the Premier League, this will sound familiar.
One coach who prefers ball possession paired with rigid, organised and painstakingly precise movement on and off the ball. One who is more focused on causing chaos through high pressing and patterns of ever-changing and unpredictable play.
Spalletti’s side retain an impressive ability to win the ball high up the pitch, quickly turn over play and punish opponents with stunning ruthlessness.
Sarri prefers a longer build-up, controlling possession, exchanging a high volume of passes from the back and waiting for the right opportunities to present themselves.
It’s beginning to sound a little bit like Guardiola and Klopp. A fondness for one another and a great deal of respect, despite their opposing ideologies.
Between the two coaches in Italy, there is a great deal of mutual admiration, too.
In his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon, Spalletti spoke of his fondness of Sarri and the previous work he had implemented during his time in Naples.
“It’s true that there’s a work ethic here that was partly introduced by previous coaches and footballers. I’ve noticed that Sarri and I have some things in common, like wearing tracksuits. I also like to wear shoes when I walk,” Spalletti laughed.
“Then there is the idea of wanting to control the game,” he said whilst conducting his obligatory media duties.
“Sarri may be more precise and orderly with his lines. We mix it up a bit more with players taking it in turns to get forward or drop back. I think we all like the football we play.”
He continued: “Lazio move in sync as a single unit. Tomorrow we’ll need to work hard to find openings in the solid ranks.”
Spalletti’s side ran out as 2-1 victors in the first meeting between Lazio and Napoli in Rome in the first half of the season. With Napoli seemingly unstoppable and Victor Osimhen eyeing up more goalscoring records, Sarri’s Biancocelesti will endure one of their toughest tests all season.
Either way, Friday evening’s fixture will present an interesting tactical battle for the neutral, regardless of the result.
Really good article shared Peter. Good depth and tactical insight.
Interesting finer details to their philosophies. Grazie mille!