Pavel Nedved admits Napoli “are doing extraordinary things” but Juventus want to “win all three competitions”.
The Bianconeri have won the Scudetto for the past six seasons in a row, but find themselves a point behind Napoli after 20 games.
“We’re only a point behind, but I have to admit that Napoli are doing extraordinary things,” Nedved confessed, speaking to Lidové Noviny.
Pavel Nedved admits Napoli “are doing extraordinary things” but Juventus want to “win all three competitions”.
The Bianconeri have won the Scudetto for the past six seasons in a row, but find themselves a point behind Napoli after 20 games.
“We’re only a point behind, but I have to admit that Napoli are doing extraordinary things,” Nedved confessed, speaking to Lidové Noviny.
“They’re well organised, they have great players and they’re hungry because they haven’t won a Scudetto since the days of [Diego] Maradona.
“If we manage to win our 7th straight Scudetto, which is our objective, it will be the most difficult defence.
“We’re still in all three competitions and we want to win them all. The biggest priority for our fans is the Champions League, but my priority is to win all three competitions.
“I never lower my ambitions and I appreciate how our lads are still pushing forward.
“Some of our players can win their seventh Scudetto in a row, which really is amazing when you realise that once the season is over, it all resets and you go again.”
Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup – as did the Czech Republic – and Nedved was asked about the absence of his homeland and his adopted nation.
“Would I get involved with the Czech Federation? Why not, I’m Czech. As Italian as I feel, we need to invest more in sport. But don’t think Italians are much better off in that regard.
“[Missing the World Cup] was a huge blow. Italy is a big country and they’ve always had – and always will have – talented players. But if the country doesn’t create some sort of a system, it will keep suffering.
“Football is by far the most popular sport in Italy and Italian football doesn’t have a President of the Lega, doesn’t have a President of the FIGC, doesn’t have stadiums, and their teams don’t have B teams.
“Right now we’re looking for a new man to begin a new era of Italian football. That could be Damiano Tommasi, the ex-Roma midfielder. We hope things will get better.”
Nedved is arguably the greatest Czech player of all time, and he was asked if he sees his heir in Serie A.
“You don’t have to look very far,” the Ballon d’Or winner assured.
“Look at Udinese; [Antonín] Barák and [Jakub] Jankto are doing really well. Even though there isn’t the pressure which would come at bigger clubs, I still congratulate them for their performances.
“My affection towards Czech players is understandable and I’m glad when someone from Juventus tells me ‘look, this Barák lad is a solid player’.
“I’m still really taken with the idea of bringing a Czech player to the club. That’s not a hint, but clearly both Jankto and Barák can play in Serie A at the highest level.
“Jankto is fast, direct, hungry for goals. Barák came in the summer and took the league by storm. I like his physicality and his humility. He’s a left-footed player who defends, attacks and does a lot of running.
“Like me? I wouldn’t compare him to myself, we’re not the same.”