Gianfranco Zola says that while he does not believe Juventus are weaker this season, he is hoping Napoli win Friday’s showdown at the San Paolo.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport about the encounter, Zola also anticipated a ‘beautiful, exciting thrilling’ match and suggested Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Insigne held the keys to victory for their respective sides.
“It’ll be a beautiful match, exciting and thrilling,” began the former Partenopei attacker.
Gianfranco Zola says that while he does not believe Juventus are weaker this season, he is hoping Napoli win Friday’s showdown at the San Paolo.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport about the encounter, Zola also anticipated a ‘beautiful, exciting thrilling’ match and suggested Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Insigne held the keys to victory for their respective sides.
“It’ll be a beautiful match, exciting and thrilling,” began the former Partenopei attacker.
“I also hope Napoli win! It’s an important match for both teams, and Napoli can put a certain distance between themselves and Juventus, who are still their main rivals for the title.
“Juve, on the other hand, can forget their KO by Sampdoria with a win and relaunch themselves after some criticism.
“If I were Napoli, I’d go with three forwards, who can hurt [Juve] at any time. If I had to pick one of them, it’d be Mertens: it’s an opportunity for him to return to certain levels.
“For Juve, however, I’m banking on Dybala, who has exceptional quality. Insigne? He’s growing like Napoli are, in a slow but steady manner.
“I know him and I know his value: he has more awareness now and it’s hard for anyone to stop him.
“Napoli only leave me with doubts over their physical condition because they don’t have the squad to sufficiently compete in two competitions.
“In terms of tactics, technicalities, and characteristics, however, they seem to be worthy of the Scudetto.
“Juve weaker? I don’t think so. They have a great squad and signed some top players over the summer. Even they can have some ups and downs.
“Allegri has great quality because his coaching has always been good, while Sarri is showing everything that’s said to be beautiful about him on the pitch: Napoli are playing well and winning.
“If I had to choose one, it’d be Sarri. Dybala as a false nine? With him there and three midfielders behind him, there would be more players capable of coming inside. It’s an idea.
“Will Napoli play like they usually do? Yes, the goal can come early, as well as towards the end.”