Jose Callejon admits Napoli–Roma could be ‘a final for second place’ in Serie A, as he explains the Vesuviani’s motivations for this season.
Rafa Benitez’s side host the Giallorossi on Sunday evening six points and a place behind them in the table.
Jose Callejon admits Napoli-Roma could be ‘a final for second place’ in Serie A, as he explains the Vesuviani’s motivations for this season.
Rafa Benitez’s side host the Giallorossi on Sunday evening six points and a place behind them in the table.
“Roma like us love to play football, they are a team that puts on a show and always looking for the beautiful play,” Callejon has reflected to Il Messaggero this week.
“They are a very strong opponent with players of the highest level. For now, they are ahead, but we want second place.
“We have already beaten Roma at the San Paolo [in the Coppa Italia] and we can repeat that on Sunday.”
Francesco Totti and Federico Balzaretti are fitness doubts for the encounter, whilst Daniele De Rossi will serve the first game of his three-round suspension.
“We hope to see everyone in the field, it is important for the spectacle that in these challenges the best are involved.
“Totti, for example, is a great. Watching him play so well at that age is a motivation, a pleasure, in him there is happiness.”
Callejon was asked about Napoli’s struggles this term to see of some of the League’s smaller sides.
“It’s a problem of concentration, motivation. For important challenges you will automatically be ready, but with smaller teams perhaps you have to be more careful.
“Unfortunately we have dropped too many points on the road.
“Is Napoli-Roma a final for second place? More or less, yes, I believe that Juve are the strongest.
“It is clear that if we do not get a result, second place will be difficult to achieve. Sunday we want to win at all costs.
“Our goal is to get back into the Champions League, as well as to honour the Europa League and win the Coppa Italia.”
Callejon is enjoying a strong first season in Italy, following his move from Real Madrid last summer.
“In Italy, the player who has impressed me the most is Pirlo. I always like the playing-mind of a team.
“In Spain, for example, these are the characteristics of Xabi Alonso.
“I like Cristiano Ronaldo for his winning mentality, I think he is more complete than Lionel Messi. My idol, however, is Ronaldo the Phenomenon.
“I feel good [in Naples], I have come from a hot city like Madrid, where even where football is important, there are many pressures.
“But here it is different, it is a true religion. I chose to live in the centre of the city and I have no regrets.
“I live right in the middle of the fans. They do not disturb me, whilst I’m also a quiet guy, I’m often at home.”