Luciano Spalletti saw a ‘sharp and clinical’ Napoli to overturn Udinese, praised Victor Osimhen and described their switch between tactical systems.
The Partenopei had gone behind to a well-taken Gerard Deulofeu strike from the edge of the box, but Victor Osimhen struck twice after the restart to turn it around.
That was his second consecutive brace after the 2-0 win away to Hellas Verona, but the first comeback win in many months.
“All season we have put pressure on the opponents, but weren’t as sharp and clinical as today. The fans really helped, as they remained passionate and eager to turn it around,” Spalletti told DAZN.
“This is an important victory, because it must be underlined Udinese are a very strong side and so well-organised.
“Osimhen is a player with extraordinary potential. He has this remarkable change of pace, but sometimes he can go beyond his limitations. He is very strong in the air and we made more of those crosses into the box this time.”
Napoli started with a 4-3-3 this afternoon, but then switched to 4-2-3-1 after the restart with the introduction of Dries Mertens for Fabian Ruiz.
“Systems mean only so much, modern football is more about how you interpret them. We must be ready for the high press, for quick turnovers that have been modernised, spaces not between the lines, but between the opposition players. They no longer have these precise lines, it’s about interpreting, seeing and using those spaces.
“There will always be a space behind the defenders and we need to make the most of them.”
Spalletti was asked if Napoli would be top of the table alone if Osimhen hadn’t been injured for such a long time with that multiple facial fracture.
“He is one of the players we missed. In these tournaments, you want 18 players available all the time. Osimhen was missing, unfortunately we won’t have him next time through suspension, but at least he will be well-rested.”
Osimhen received a yellow card for handball in stoppages and will therefore be suspended against Atalanta, along with Amir Rrahmani.