Mirko Valdifiori promises an improved Napoli performance when Sampdoria visit San Paolo this weekend.
The Partenopei lost at Sassuolo, new Coach Maurizio Sarri’s reign getting off to an inauspicious start.
“In August, teams are still in pre-season,” Valdifiori, who followed Sarri from Empoli to Naples, explained, speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.
“Against Sassuolo we had a good 20 minutes, then we lost some of our rhythm. Then in the second half we conceded just when it seemed like the game was under control.
Mirko Valdifiori promises an improved Napoli performance when Sampdoria visit San Paolo this weekend.
The Partenopei lost at Sassuolo, new Coach Maurizio Sarri’s reign getting off to an inauspicious start.
“In August, teams are still in pre-season,” Valdifiori, who followed Sarri from Empoli to Naples, explained, speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.
“Against Sassuolo we had a good 20 minutes, then we lost some of our rhythm. Then in the second half we conceded just when it seemed like the game was under control.
“You have to accept even the defeats in football, and we must work harder. We have to make up for what happened on Sunday, we have to improve week after week.
“Sampdoria are a compact and strong team, and will definitely be full of confidence after winning in Week 1.
“They have quick strikers, so we must try to play our game, but also be wary of their pace. It will be fantastic to play at San Paolo, we’re focused, and we have the desire to make up for what happened against Sassuolo.
“We have a huge desire to do well, I know that on Sunday we’ll go for it from the first minute. I hope to celebrate my first win [with Napoli] on Sunday night, we’ll go out and fight for every ball.
“I’m glad to be part of this team, and I’ll always try to prove myself in an extraordinary team like Napoli.”
The Vesuviani were not the only expected Scudetto-contender to lose in Week 1, and Valdifiori admits he was surprised by one result in particular.
“What surprised me most was Juventus losing [to Udinese]. Milan losing to Fiorentina is not that much of a surprise, as the Viola have done great things.
“Even Juve will have to adjust after so many changes, and it’s just the same for Napoli.”