Stefano Pioli insists talk of Fiorentina letting Napoli win to ruin another Juventus Scudetto is “ridiculous” and welcomes back Milan Badelj.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Viola still have a slender hope of qualifying for the Europa League, but some of their fans are torn, suggesting it might be better to ‘step aside’ so that Napoli can take the Scudetto off their arch rivals Juventus.
Stefano Pioli insists talk of Fiorentina letting Napoli win to ruin another Juventus Scudetto is “ridiculous” and welcomes back Milan Badelj.
It kicks off on Sunday at 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Viola still have a slender hope of qualifying for the Europa League, but some of their fans are torn, suggesting it might be better to ‘step aside’ so that Napoli can take the Scudetto off their arch rivals Juventus.
“This is the most fascinating season in years, because all the teams still have something to play for, so that kind of talk is ridiculous,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
“We’re in the running for a Europa League spot and will give our all to the very end. It’ll be a difficult match and we’ve got to close down the spaces available to Napoli, even if they have too many attacking options for us to think we can deny them any scoring opportunities.
“Maurizio Sarri is doing great work, as Napoli always take the initiative and try to attack their opponents. There are so many positives about Napoli, but they are not unbeatable and that is why we must believe in our chances.
“We have only one course of action and that is to put in the best possible team performance. We are motivated, so are Napoli, but that won’t be the decisive factor in this game. We don’t want to take a passive approach, but at the same time that doesn’t necessarily mean pressing Napoli high, because that would leave them spaces behind the defence.
“We have had many difficulties during our campaign, but it’s just the start of our journey. It’s the final sprint of this current season and we’ve got to give it our all.”
Bryan Dabo is suspended following his early red card in the defeat to Sassuolo, while Vitor Hugo and Simone Lo Faso are injured, but there is good news for Pioli.
“Badelj has recovered, he’s in good shape and he could start tomorrow. We never would’ve lost to Sassuolo if it had been 11 against 11.”