Simone Verdi admits “my choice to come to Napoli was also dictated by Carlo Ancelotti’s presence” after rejecting a move in January.
The deal had been done over the winter transfer window, but Verdi opted to remain at Bologna until the end of the season to help secure their Serie A status.
By the time he arrived, Maurizio Sarri had left and Ancelotti was on the bench.
“Napoli represents a great opportunity for me and the start of a new level professionally,” the 26-year-old said on Sky Sport Italia.
Simone Verdi admits “my choice to come to Napoli was also dictated by Carlo Ancelotti’s presence” after rejecting a move in January.
The deal had been done over the winter transfer window, but Verdi opted to remain at Bologna until the end of the season to help secure their Serie A status.
By the time he arrived, Maurizio Sarri had left and Ancelotti was on the bench.
“Napoli represents a great opportunity for me and the start of a new level professionally,” the 26-year-old said on Sky Sport Italia.
“When I was at the Milan youth academy, Ancelotti won everything and I had the opportunity to work with him. I must admit, my choice to come here was also dictated by Ancelotti’s presence. I want to learn so much from him at Napoli.”
Verdi suits the 4-3-3 formation also used at Bologna and is famously two-footed, to the degree that he scored a free kick with right and left in the same Serie A match last season.
“Over the last two years at Bologna, I’ve shown that I prefer playing down the right flank, but it goes without saying that I’ll play wherever the Coach asks me to.
“There is a really good atmosphere between the forwards and there is a lot of quality in the squad. I think Ancelotti will find it tough choosing between us all for a starting XI.”
Pre-season friendlies have been dismal so far for Napoli, including a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, and they take on Wolfsburg tomorrow.
“Liverpool were so far ahead of us in terms of fitness preparation that you can’t tell much from that game. We did well against Borussia Dortmund and tomorrow is an important test. We want to win so we can start the Serie A season in a good mood.”