Luciano Spalletti reiterates the importance of strength in depth after two substitutes secure Napoli’s win over Empoli, but warns some ‘want to raise us up ready for the fall.’
The Partenopei notched up their 10th consecutive Serie A victory, something achieved only twice before in the club’s history and both times under Maurizio Sarri.
It was much tougher than expected, though, as Empoli limited their chances until a fairly soft penalty was awarded for Razvan Marin bumping into the back of Victor Osimhen, converted by Chucky Lozano.
Another substitute rounded out the scoreline, Piotr Zielinski on the volley from a Lozano cross.
“We put in so many crosses and had strong runs many times, but it all depends on if you get the bodies into the box. If they have their midfielders back helping, then tactically you have not changed anything,” Spalletti told DAZN.
“If you move the ball around to where their midfielder cannot reach, then that is different. Empoli were smart to always close down our passing channels with their deep-lying midfielder. This is where individual talent becomes fundamental, because it’s difficult to create supremacy over such an organised and self-sacrificing team.”
It is no coincidence that the two goals were both scored by substitutes, as even without injured Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Napoli have extraordinary strength in depth.
“It is superfluous to keep saying it, but if you don’t change four or five players for a midweek game, you won’t have the strength to go for 90 minutes. This rotation becomes fundamental and when the others came on, you could see the game changed gear.
“The key is that everyone feels they are part of the squad and involved, there is no first or second choice here. The sum of 22 players is better than the sum of 11 players, that’s obvious.”
The break for the World Cup in Qatar begins after the weekend and it is perhaps bad timing, considering Napoli are on the form of their lives.
“We have to deal with the situations we are given. This break is there for everyone and is unavoidable.”
Napoli remain at least six points clear at the top of the table and on track to be Winter Champions, but Spalletti won’t hear talk of this being a one-horse race.
“I think there could be more than seven challengers. It’s a very long road ahead of us with many hidden dangers. We must always be focused and remember the three points are not based on the value of the team in front of you, but on what your dreams and prospects are.”
Spalletti was asked if he is pleased or worried that so many people think this is Napoli’s year to finally win the Scudetto?
“I don’t mind either way, we need to distinguish when it’s people trying to raise you up ready for the fall. We will be ready for that too, it is part of the mentality of Neapolitans to expect that sort of attitude.”