After Italy, Europe. For Napoli, highly praised in the league, the time has come to raise their heads also in the Champions League, a competition that has so far reserved them the only defeat of the season. The Dutch side Feyenoord arrive at the San Paolo in a match that you can't go wrong for any reason, otherwise you risk seriously compromising the qualification issue. In fact, the defeat against Shakhtar requires 3 points at all costs and the Azzurri are called to another test of great concentration, above all mental.
“With this calendar it is impossible to work, we play every 70 hours and I really believe that reforms would be necessary – thundered Sarri. – The match against Feyenoord is important, not decisive. They are a strong team, they attack at full strength and have a pace that can make us suffer. I want to keep them away from our area and I hope San Paolo will give us a hand."
The blue coach would have liked to prepare for the match much more calmly, especially now that he is missing a pawn like Milik, which is especially important to give Mertens some breathing space. The Pole, operated on yesterday at Villa Stuart by Professor Mariani, would certainly have played one of the two games remaining between now and the break, but it will still be the turn of the Belgian elf: at the moment there is a lot of stuff but the risk of wearing out the engine is of great concern. In light of this, it would be easy to regret Pavoletti or Zapata, but Sarri knows well that feeling sorry for himself would get him nowhere.
“I am neither the president nor the sporting director – he glossed over. – I just think it's wrong for UEFA to block the lists at 21 players without considering injuries, moreover, by playing so much there is no time to work on any alternative solution”.
The outburst served, but now we only have to think about Feyenoord and the 3 fundamental points to conquer. Barring sensational surprises, the coach will insist on the 4-3-3 of the very titular players, therefore Reina in goal, Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly and Ghoulam in defense, Allan, Jorginho and Hamsik in midfield, Callejon, Mertens and Insigne in attack.
“Napoli press very hard, we'll have to be careful to risk as little as possible and stay compact – explained Van Bronckhorst – They play very well, plus San Paolo is a fantastic stadium. I'm happy to play here, it will be a great challenge."
The Dutch coach arrives in Italy with the absolute need for points: the two consecutive defeats against Psv and NAC Breda in the Eredivisie have been added to the internal debacle with Manchester City (0-4). To stop the "bleeding" he will rely on the classic 4-3-3 with Jones between the posts, Diks, St. Juste, Van Der Heijden and Nelom in the back, Amrabat, El Ahmadi and Vilhena in the midfield, Larson, Kramer and Boetius in the offensive trident.
Maximum attention also to public order: the away game was banned because it was considered at risk but a thousand Feyenoord fans, who had already been involved in violent incidents two years ago in Rome (remember the damage to Bernini's fountain?) could still arrive in that of Naples. An eventuality that would overshadow the match and that everyone absolutely wants to avoid.
