Sarri: No crisis at Roma

Speaking ahead of tonight’s clash in Naples, Sarri argued that injuries are to blame for the Giallorossi’s failure to win in their last three league games and stressed that Roma are one of the biggest clubs in Italy both in terms of their playing squad and economic solidity.

“You can’t say Roma are in crisis just because of a few negative results, especially when they have had several injuries,” began Sarri. “The Giallorossi are a great side and the club is one of the leading clubs in Italy in terms of spending power. They’re the natural rivals of Juventus, so you can’t say they’re not a team to fear after a couple of bad results.”

The bookmakers have Napoli as the favourites for today’s match – do you agree with that?

“I never look at the odds. I’m not interested in them and I don’t think my team believe they’re the favourites. Favourites are the teams that have spent the most in the transfer market and as I’ve said, Roma have invested a great deal. That said, all that’s not important anymore – we’ll take the match as it comes, without thinking about that side of things. I hope my team will be spurred on by the enthusiasm around the place.”

You have been rotating the side a lot in the Europa League, unlike Roma in the Champions League. Do you think Roma will be more tired?

“I don’t know. Over the course of the season the Europa League has a bigger effect, because it’s played on a Thursday. From that perspective we and Fiorentina are the teams with the biggest disadvantage, but we’re happy to help with Italy’s UEFA coefficient.”

Gonzalo Higuain or Edin Dzeko?

“I’ll stick with Higuain. But it would be an oversimplification to look at the match as a battle between two players, even though they are both great strikers.”

Is the game going to be decisive for the Serie A table?

“The table doesn’t matter tomorrow. We know that it’s a special match for the people of Naples so we will put our heart into it.”

What shape are Napoli in going into the clash?

“After losing to Bologna in the league last time out we showed a good reaction by beating Legia Warsaw in the Europa League on Thursday. The team produced a professional performance despite there being nothing to play for and we won convincingly against a side still fighting to qualify. It’s a victory that restores our confidence ahead of the Roma match.”