Giacomo Raspadori assures Napoli have no intention of taking their foot off the gas against Ajax in the Champions League, especially with Victor Osimhen returning. ‘We face every match the same way.’
It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday at 17.45 UK time (16.45 GMT).
The Partenopei emerged from Amsterdam last week with an extraordinary 6-1 victory, confirming their 100 per cent record in the Champions League this season.
They are also sole Serie A leaders, having won eight in a row in all competitions.
“We want to prove that we face every match the same way, that’s what we work for day after day, to give a sense of consistency to our results,” Raspadori told Sky Sport Italia.
He has been taking the centre-forward role during Osimhen’s injury, but the Nigeria international is back in the squad tomorrow.
“We are pleased with his return, because the more, the merrier, especially with games every three days. It’s good to raise the level of the squad and everyone can be in a position to give their best to the team.
“That is also one of the reasons behind our success this season, that desire and mentality, being prepared to sacrifice for each other. It all comes through daily work and we must face every match with the same mentality, without thinking we’ve arrived at our destination.”
Ajax were torn apart 6-1 on home turf and the players did not take it well, reportedly refusing to exchange shirts with the Napoli squad after the final whistle in Amsterdam.
“It will be a game of great intensity, we must try to work hard and bring the incidents our way, be positive and play with enthusiasm,” concluded Raspadori.
“In moments of great euphoria, that is when teams tend to lower the concentration levels, but we want to keep improving. European football is very positive and what we want is to keep that enthusiasm going, also improving the little details.”
Raspadori was asked why he had chosen Napoli when leaving Sassuolo this summer and he confirmed Luciano Spalletti was a big part of that.
“It was important to know the coach really wanted me from the start, as he was ready to give me more freedom on the pitch and all my teammates help me in creating those chances.”
This guy shows great potential one of the few lights along with Napoli in the darkness off Italian football…..