Luciano Spalletti knows Jose Mourinho and Roma will try to defend and counter, but insists Napoli ‘must play to our own strengths’ and reflect the ‘spectacular’ nature of the city in their football.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Stadio Olimpico.
This arena has been hostile to Spalletti ever since he was blamed for pushing Francesco Totti towards retirement, giving extra spice to this Derby del Sole.
“We must focus on what we know how to do and play to our own strengths, as we already have done many times,” said Spalletti in his press conference.
“Positive thoughts always supersede negative ones and I know many, many people in Rome, so returning here will always create more smiles for me. I don’t know what the atmosphere will be like in the stadium, but my contact with friends in the Capital is what dominates my idea of the place.”
Amir Rrahmani is out of action and the coach confirmed he will not ‘risk’ Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa by rushing him back early from injury.
“Roma are very effective on set plays, so we’ll try to make sure they get as few dead-ball opportunities as possible. Mourinho is the super coach, so consequently we must improve what we know how to do. I don’t know if Roma will adapt to counter our own strengths, but we must always focus on what we can do and not lose our identity.”
Spalletti and Mourinho have had an odd rapport over the years, as it started extremely tense with the ‘zero titles’ mockery, but they have since become friends.
The Special One is also known for his defend and counter approach, so could that be particularly damaging to this Napoli?
“It is difficult for me not to appreciate the work of my colleagues. I can learn even from Serie C games, perhaps more than by watching Liverpool, Manchester City or Arsenal, because you need to be creative on the bench,” continued Spalletti.
“I am convinced the more time you spend in the opposition half, the better your chances of winning. People may say that leaves gaps at the back, but you must be ready for anything. Naples is a spectacular city and its football must have the same approach.
“As I said, there are two ways of being strong in life, one is being sure of yourself and the other is being very protective. In between that, there is nothing.
“Therefore, we must be sure of ourselves and our own strength, otherwise we weaken ourselves. It’s going to be a packed stadium, Roma are in good shape and we are ready to play our game.”
It could also see Victor Osimhen make his first start in six weeks after fully recovering from a muscular problem he first sustained against Liverpool in the Champions League.