View from the opposition: Napoli

We chatted to Antonio Giordano, a journalist at Il Corriere dello Sport based in Naples, to analyse the Azzurri’s form going into the big game at the Stadio Olimpico. He also revealed which Giallorossi player the Napoli fans should fear the most...

With four games remaining, give Napoli’s season a mark out of 10.

“Thus far, given the Azzurri will qualify for the Champions League – either directly or through the play-offs – I’d give them 9/10. Maurizio Sarri’s side have not only played quality football but it’s a style that has got results too. Had they won the league, obviously I would have said 10 but with four matches to play and Juventus nine points clear, it’d take a miracle.”

Who have been the best three signings this season?

“Allan has definitely been number one. The Brazilian has got the Napoli midfield playing well showing – after three years at Udinese – that he can also star in a top side. I’d also say Elseid Hysaj. The Albanian defender, brought south by Sarri who gave him his start at Empoli, made an instant impact with the Azzurri, becoming one of the first names on the team sheet. Finally, I’d say Pepe Reina. The Spanish keeper, who returned to the club after a short spell at Bayern Munich, has brought character to the side.”

Who’s been Napoli’s best player this season?

“It’s an obvious answer because the statistics say it all. Gonzalo Higuain has scored 30 goals in 31 league matches, plus two in the Europa League. He’s been crucial not only in terms of his goals but also the personality he’s shown in games. He’s a goalscorer and a leader.”

What has been Napoli’s best performance of the season and why?

“Based on the opposition and the scoreline I’d say the 4-0 victory over AC Milan at San Siro in early October. The Azzurri produced a great display of superiority against a prestigious club and started to realise just how good they are. As for a quality performance, I’d say the second period of the 2-1 home win over Fiorentina in the first half of the season. The goals came from [Lorenzo] Insigne and Higuain in a top-class fixture between two quality, in-form sides.”

Meanwhile, what’s been the worst display and what went wrong?

“The 3-1 loss at Udinese on 3 April. Everything went wrong for Napoli that day. Sarri’s side looked tired and sluggish in Friuli and they were overpowered by the opposition. Games like that happen over the course of a long league season where a team has almost always played well. Unfortunately that day the Azzurri weren’t able to counteract a confused team.”

What’s your take on Roma under Luciano Spalletti?

“Very positive as the team have climbed the table by playing excellent football. I really like Spalletti’s game plan, especially how quickly his side get the ball forward and how easily they score goals.”

Which Roma player should Napoli fans be most wary of?

“Regardless of what he did the other night against Torino, being a football lover I have to say Francesco Totti. I’m always wary of him. He belongs to a unique band of footballers. He’s a superstar whoever you support. Those who don’t love Totti don’t understand football, so I’d say him.”

If you could choose any Roma player to take for the Napoli squad, who would you pick and why?

“Besides Totti, I’d say Miralem Pjanic because he’s someone who can do everything on a football pitch. The Bosnian can play anywhere. He’s brilliant on and off the ball, he has a unique way of striking the ball and he can set the right tempo to his side’s attacking moves.”

How do you see Monday’s game?

“I’m not considering a draw, I’ll just say that one of the two sides will win it. I don’t know which because both teams really do have a good chance of going home with the points. The teams come into the match on an equal footing both physically and mentally. I expect a match with a lot of goals, given that over the last two months Roma’s and Napoli’s defences have almost always conceded.”