Luciano Spalletti insists the demolition of Liverpool only proves Napoli are ‘on the right track’ and wants to see the same attitude against Spezia tomorrow, but also takes the opportunity to snipe at critics.
The game kicks off on Saturday at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT) at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Osimhen is out for several weeks, perhaps months, after he was diagnosed with a Grade II lesion to the thigh, which he sustained during the 4-1 Champions League triumph over Liverpool.
“We must treat Spezia the same way as Liverpool, putting these matches on the same level, concentrating on the result and not just the name of the opposition to make ourselves look good,” said Spalletti in his press conference.
“It’s disappointing to be without Osimhen, but these things happen, we have players like Giovanni Simeone and Giacomo Raspadori who can replace him.”
The coach is still nursing a fractured collarbone after a fall off his bicycle, which made celebrating the win a little trickier than usual.
However, he has lost none of his clarity on the tenuous nature of football opinion.
“When we lost heavily to Barcelona, you all said we had the wrong attitude in trying to attack and press them high. We were penalised on the counter-attack from our own corner. But I said at the time we had the right approach and wanted to play that way again, which is what we did.
“We created two or three promising chances just by grabbing the ball off them and battling. These are important qualities.
“The main thing is bringing home the victory and we are very happy not to hide the potential in this squad. My effort now is ensuring we play the same way regardless of the jerseys we see in front of us.”
The atmosphere during the match against Liverpool was extraordinary and Spalletti is eager to build on that momentum.
“I’d never seen the stadium like that in two years here and our attitude makes the difference. Tomorrow is a perfect opportunity to show that is who we always want to be.
“I have faith in the future, having the enthusiasm and confidence of the fans with players of quality. We are on the right track, but the greatest Napoli performance is yet to come.”
Osimhen’s injury could prompt a change of system from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1, although Spalletti has been at pains to point out the differences are minimal once they shift from defence to attack.
“Raspadori can play as a trequartista behind the striker or moved to the right, while Piotr Zielinski still goes on the attack.
“Tanguy Ndombele can play two different roles, he’s doing much better now, he jokes around with his teammates, accepts decisions and every now and then shows the quality of his touch.”