Arrigo Sacchi explains why Napoli look like Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool but warns the Partenopei: ‘The job is not done.’
The Azzurri are one of the best teams in Europe at the moment, undoubtedly the best one in Italy. They are the table leaders and the only unbeaten team in Italy’s top flight along with Atalanta.
Luciano Spalletti’s men have also earned a spot in the Champions League Round of 16 with two games to spare, beating Ajax twice, Rangers and Liverpool.
Their production in attack has been impressive with 42 goals in 14 games across all competitions.
“There must be a clear starting point: there should never be more than 20-25 meters between attack and defence,” Sacchi told Gazzetta.
“Like that, there is more collaboration and communication, and it is quicker to internalise the play. Napoli attack and defend with 11 players.
“They always play vertically; horizontal passes are quite rare. In other words, a striker always moves towards the playmaker, opening the space for late runs.
“These are not difficult movements to make, but it takes perfect synchrony and a lot of work in training.”
The former Milan and Italy boss is fascinated by Napoli’s playing style and compares them to Liverpool, even if the Reds are going through tough times and had a first-hand experience of Napoli’s form in their 4-0 loss at the Stadio Maradona last month.
“Spalletti is doing something extraordinary, sometimes, when they attack, they remind me of Klopp’s Liverpool, when the Reds were more willing to run,” said Sacchi.
“This has been made possible by Spalletti who has smart, available and enthusiastic players.”
However, all that glitters is not gold and the 76-year-old warns the Partenopei despite their incredible start.
“The risk is to think that the job is done. Now they are a collective and play as such. If they change, they would not be as pleasant to watch.”
Last couple of years Napoli faded down the stretch but I don’t see it happening this year.