Luciano Spalletti outlines the keys to his incredible Napoli success and gives credit to the players ahead of the showdown with Liverpool at Anfield. ‘Spectacle is guaranteed!’
The Partenopei notched up a 12th consecutive victory in all competitions, and a 100 per cent record in this Champions League group.
Rangers were beaten 3-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, just as they were at Ibrox in the reverse fixture, as Giovanni Simeone scored an early brace and Leo Ostigard’s header on a corner completed the rout.
It was a smooth and seamless performance, despite changing six of the starting XI from the previous match.
“Many of these players have been used fairly regularly,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.
“The extraordinary thing is when you don’t use a player for two games in a row, he gets a bit irritated and can lose a bit of sharpness for the match, but this lot don’t do that! They really trained like top players, relishing in the talent of their teammates and confirming they want to fight for their place.
“Seeing Raspadori and Politano track back to help the defence and stop counter-attacks, those were important signals. It’s not just about scoring goals, but getting the team out of trouble too. Being gladiators even when you don’t have the physique for it.
“The first half was wonderful, the ball was moving around so smoothly, everyone was looking for the space to play in and Simeone almost didn’t have a role he was so mobile. It becomes very difficult in those circumstances for the opponents to organise themselves.
“I don’t even need to tell the players in training to do it with maximum two touches, as they know already that moving the ball quickly is essential. The match is a reflection of how you train during the week.”
Napoli are only the third Italian side to win the first five Champions League group games, after Milan in 1992-93 and Juventus in 2004-05.
Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia pundit Giorgio Chiellini suggested there are similarities between this Napoli and Spalletti’s Roma.
“I was fortunate to always have players who are technically gifted and can move the ball around quickly, which makes them entertaining. My Roma for instance played extraordinary football and put on a real show for neutrals too.”
Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Victor Osimhen and Piotr Zielinski were rested, but not defender Kim Min-jae.
“Kim has this incredible strength and speed, as soon as he senses danger, he is off after it at double speed. And tomorrow morning he will want to take part in the game between ranks! He doesn’t like to rest.”
Liverpool also won 3-0 away to Ajax, so Napoli will secure top spot in the group as long as they don’t lose at Anfield by four clear goals.
“There is a great deal at stake in the next game, because Liverpool are very tough on their own turf. We need to attack them and hold the ball, so that makes it more difficult for them to make the most of their qualities.
“If we give them time to think and pick their passes, they will get comfortable, and we don’t want that. It will be wonderful going there with qualification already under wraps. Spectacle is guaranteed!”