Maurizio Sarri feels Sassuolo are the “worst possible opponents” for Napoli to open their Serie A season.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I feel alright now, though clearly the moment I step out for my debut it will be a strong emotion, but that’s normal,” said the former Empoli boss in his Press conference.
Maurizio Sarri feels Sassuolo are the “worst possible opponents” for Napoli to open their Serie A season.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I feel alright now, though clearly the moment I step out for my debut it will be a strong emotion, but that’s normal,” said the former Empoli boss in his Press conference.
“Napoli are in the condition to be expected at this stage of the construction process. Tactically we are not perfect, but we have quality players who can make the difference.
“I hope to see a team that takes the reins of the match against everyone. At this moment Sassuolo are the worst possible opponents we could face, as they’ve been working together for three years and can rely on those guarantees. It’ll be tough for everyone against them.”
Sarri’s arrival was greeted with enthusiasm by players tired of Rafa Benitez, above all Marek Hamsik, and he certainly brings a fresh approach.
“Hamsik has always been a midfielder, apart from the last two years. We’ve changed system and players, but it will be important to go through difficult moments as a united group. We want to bring out 101 per cent of this side’s potential.
“I haven’t read a newspaper since July 8 and I might be the only person still reading Teletext,” he laughed.
“Napoli finished fifth last season with Milan and Inter ruled out, so it’ll be tough to be at the top. I might be more satisfied if we finish seventh and gave 101 per cent than if we go higher and fluked it.
“Who will play tomorrow? My players will learn that from me and not the papers. I have too much respect for them for that. I could even draw lots!
“Italian football is difficult and you need hard work, which is not an entirely familiar concept. We have to defend with a spirit of sacrifice, as quality alone isn’t enough there, whereas you can attack in a fairly disorganised manner and still be effective.
“During the week we tried the 4-3-2-1 and 4-3-3, but we are focusing more on the 4-3-1-2 which allows many different passing lines, but defensively requires organisation.
“All teams are built on their defence, that is my prerogative. We must pay attention to the movement of Sassuolo forwards, as it’s a dangerous game and we’re not yet well-drilled.
“It’s easier to put lots of bodies in front of the box, but what we’re doing requires organisation and will be more satisfying in the long run.”
It has been said that hiring Sarri after just one season in Serie A was proof of meritocracy compared to other high-profile appointments.
“It is satisfying to be seen as a symbol of meritocracy in a country that so rarely has it. Nobody noticed the work I was doing before, but all of a sudden I have become interesting and people come from Japan to view my training sessions. Football goes through periods of fashion, but I do the same thing as seven or eight years ago.
“Am I happy with the transfer strategy? I don’t expect anyone to do my work for me. I trust the club and the club has to trust me.”