Victor Osimhen could make a start for Napoli in today’s Serie A clash against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, but Jose Mourinho believes his team can stop Napoli’s winning streak.
Napoli have remained unbeaten in ten games so far in the contest and according to Roma’s coach it won’t be an easy game in this clash between two of the biggest clubs in southern Italy. Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti admitted that the ‘derby in the south’ can go both ways.
“It is a general opinion that Napoli are the favourites, but at times the side that is the favourite also loses. We have the right to play our game,” said Mourinho
“Spalletti knows that he could lose and that is not a bluff. He also knows his team is at the top of the table and in great shape, but that it won’t be easy. We both know it’s going to be a difficult match.”
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.
“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.”
“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.”
