by Simone Cioni
Taking back what was left in Lecce was Nicola’s first thought after the last-gasp match he lost at Via del Mare. A concept that the coach also reiterated yesterday during the presentation of today’s match at 6pm at the Castellani-Computer Gross Arena against Napoli. Whatever the opponent. On the other hand, there are only 6 games left at the end of the championship and in such a tight battle for survival every point can be decisive. So, although the Italian champions arrive in Empoli today, packed full of champions and looking for a place in Europe, captain Luperto and his teammates will have to try everything to bring home a positive result. “We have to give our all because we enter the final six games, where the difference will be the desire to fight from every point of view – begins Nicola –. Comparing this year’s Napoli to Spalletti’s is difficult, because that last season he was a perfect machine, but with the arrival of Calzona he re-demonstrated those principles and those movements that were typical of that Napoli, we tried to look at them carefully to try to attack them and demonstrate our qualities”.
“In any case, we are talking about a great team that has the ability to manage the game, that makes a very strong re-aggression, knows how to take risks, is skilled in lateral attacks but also in deep attacks – continues the blue coach –. For this we will have to knowing how to read the moments of the match, being very attentive in individual duels and working well in the department, giving the right pressure and following every insertion. This concerns the defensive part, but then we will also have to be good at understanding that we too can have some situations to put them in difficulty and then go and look for them, as well as getting excited with our audience”. In addition to the certain absentees Ebuehi and Ismajli, Berisha also risks another withdrawal, but otherwise the team is doing well from a physical point of view as confirmed by Nicolas. “The boys have never been at this level and also as regards the offensive danger, I believe that the team has increased both the danger of the opportunities and the realization, on the other hand just look at the average goal which has risen from 0.5 in the first 20 games to 1.2 in the last 12. Let’s not forget that the team is facing new demands given that before they were used to playing more with the ball on their feet, while I like attacking spaces more.”
As for the lineup, we expect some changes compared to Lecce (Maleh?, Niang?), while among the confirmations there will certainly be Caprile between the posts. In a particular match for him given that he is owned by Napoli. “Caprile is young and must also be able to overcome mistakes in order to grow – concludes Nicola –. He just has to continue doing what he is doing, possibly with even more courage. After all, a match like this against Napoli must be a stimulating challenge for everyone, to be faced with the right attitude and the ability to believe in what you do. We must give a great performance in terms of mentality, determination and ideas, trying to apply all these factors constantly throughout the match.”
