Luciano Spalletti underlined the importance of recovering injured players ahead of Napoli’s match against Inter, following the 2-0 win over Venezia.
The Azzurri came away victorious from the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo earlier this afternoon, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Andrea Petagna securing the three points for Spalletti’s side, who now sit only one point behind league leaders Inter. The two sides will meet next weekend on February 12, a game that could be crucial in the title race this season.
Speaking to DAZN after the game, Spalletti reacted to the 2-0 win over Venezia.
“This win gives us that superior awareness, we have the possibility to play good games, to always play to win. Today we brought home an important win on a difficult pitch.”
The Italian coach touched on how Osimhen can continue to improve.
“He has the quality, it’s us who have to improve in serving him, not dribbling all the time and not putting the defenders in a position to defend against his qualities.
“In the first half we played too much man to man and not enough in space, forcing him to have the entire opposing team around him.”
He gave his thoughts on the Napoli midfield in the match.
“Either two defensive midfielders and a trequartista or two mezzali and a deep midfielder makes little difference. The important thing is that we are all more of a team. Then if you put a physical midfielder you lack quality up front.
“We didn’t play much with Demme, who is very good and builds play well. Lobotka has made important steps forward. He plays well and makes the team play well.”
The Napoli coach looked ahead to the upcoming Serie A clash against Simone Inzaghi’s Inter, a game that could be key in the title race this season.
“We still have players to recover. The possibility of making 3-4 quality changes is important, with five substitutions you can change the game in the second half. It will be important to recover Koulibaly and Anguissa, to let Ounas do some more training, then we will see about Lozano.”
Finally, Spalletti discussed how he felt returning to the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo.
“I found it evocative, very close to what I had known. I was here with Zamparini and with him so many players and coaches showed off, he did everything at his best.”
.@sscnapoli I Luciano #Spalletti commenta a caldo #VeneziaNapoli https://t.co/ApqcYDUGmR
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) February 6, 2022