Francesco Calzona, expressing his sentiments regarding Napoli’s recent triumph over Juventus and subsequent resurgence in the European competition chase, asserts that the team is currently advancing in the desired direction, albeit with considerable tasks yet to be accomplished.
Following their remarkable 6-1 triumph over Sassuolo, the Partenopei secured their second consecutive victory in Serie A, thereby reinvigorating their aspirations for securing a position among the top five contenders.
Under the directive of the club’s management, Napoli abstained from granting interviews to DAZN both prior to and subsequent to the match. Nonetheless, Calzona did participate in the press conference as per the obligations.
“We are on the right track, but there is a lot still to be done. I am very happy for the victory, I saw a team that wants to improve itself,” he said.
“In winning this match, the team sent a signal that it wants to achieve important targets. I am pleased to see such a united side that wants to keep getting stronger.”
In the recent match, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia initiated the scoring with a volleyed goal, followed by Federico Chiesa’s precise strike to secure the equalizer. However, the equilibrium was disrupted when Joseph Nonge inadvertently fouled Victor Osimhen within the penalty area, resulting in a penalty kick being awarded.
Despite Osimhen’s attempt, Wojciech Szczesny managed to deflect the penalty. Yet, Giacomo Raspadori promptly capitalized on the rebound. Notably, it appeared that the team had meticulously rehearsed this scenario during training sessions, as evidenced by the synchronized movement of players starting their runs from well outside the penalty area, a strategy aimed at avoiding encroachment and facilitating a dynamic approach to capitalize on such opportunities.
“Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen are two fundamental players for this team. They both had difficult moments this season, but are now almost back to their usual levels.”
The third manager of the team this season, succeeding Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri, has evidently rejuvenated the squad, maintaining an undefeated record following initial draws against Barcelona and Cagliari.
“I cannot perform miracles in 10 days, we need more time, but we don’t have time. We must improve in possession and making more vertical passes. I believe in playing out from the back and ask the lads not to kick the ball away. Juve made it difficult for us, but we’re happy.
“I don’t think I did anything in particular, I just told the lads to relax and apply themselves in training. I tried not to talk too much, as with everything that happened, it was the last thing they needed.”
Amir Rrahmani limped off with a muscular issue, while Cyril Ngonge and Jens Cajuste were in the stands.
“Rrahmani felt the adductor harden and it could’ve been aggravated, so it was best to stop. He will be evaluated tomorrow.”
In addition to harboring aspirations of reasserting their position in the contention for Champions League qualification, Napoli is compelled to undertake preparations for the forthcoming second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 encounter against Barcelona, scheduled for March 12th.
“We need to memorise as many notions as possible. We are back in the race and it is our duty to get a result against Torino, even if it won’t be easy. As for Barcelona, there’s time for them.”