Notizie

Carlo Ancelotti admitted Napoli are looking to challenge for the title when he met with the media on Friday but was keen to direct the attention towards the match against Sampdoria.



With a busy fixture list ahead, the boss was quizzed not only about Napoli's Scudetto challenge but also the Champions League, the team's formation and new boy Fernando Llorente.



The first question, however, was about the San Paolo dressing rooms, which has received widespread attention in the media this week.



“I said what I felt was right to say because we were worried at the time. You can't wait until the last day to get the dressing rooms ready.



"Naples and Napoli deserve to have a good image. The general condition of the stadium is excellent. We're really happy with the renovation work they've done. In any case, now it's important we focus on the match ahead.”



How are the players looking after the international break?



“Generally they're in good condition. The lads who went away have come back without any injuries and are training with the rest of the team again. [Hirving] Lozano will be back today and we'll see how he is.”



How are Arek Milik and Lorenzo Insigne?



“Both of them are back in training with the team. They're over their problems. Now I have to decide how to use them in this period.



“We have a run of important games coming up but the most important one of all is tomorrow's against Sampdoria. Mentally I'm not thinking beyond tomorrow's game.”



Will you make any changes compared to the first two league matches?



“I haven't made my mind up about tomorrow yet as we still have another training session to look at things. We'll certainly be rotating during this run of games we have. It's crucial we use all our players. Some will play more than others but I can afford to chop and change because of we have strength in depth.”



Are you worried about the seven goals you've conceded?



“We haven't been very good defensively, that's for sure, but not many of you have noted how good we've been going forward. We look at both aspects and give both equal consideration.



“When I talk about our defensive play I don't mean the individuals but the team as a whole. We know we have to improve and we're working on it. I don't like conceding seven goals in two matches and it's not something we want to repeat.”



How is Fernando Llorente settling in?



“He's doing well and training with the others. I'll speak to him and we'll see whether he'll be involved tomorrow.”



A lot of pundits believe Inter are in the Scudetto race along with Juventus and Napoli this season. Do you agree?



“Inter are riding on the wave of enthusiasm. [Antonio] Conte has come in and he's a very good and very determined coach. They've got off to a good start and I think they're rightly considered as potential title challengers.”



Reading the interviews given by some of Napoli's senior players, you sense there's a strong belief you can win the Scudetto this year...



“I like the fact my players say they want to win. Knowing what you want is a good thing. Part of it depends on the atmosphere you create with the new signings. We want to challenge for the title, not to finish second.”



Is it true that Napoli have played 4-2-3-1 this season?



“No, You only see the formation when a team is not in possession. We've never played 4-2-3-1. We played 4-3-3 once last year. We've always played 4-4-2 when defending.



“When we attack we don't play with two strikers close together but a centre forward and two in behind. So when you talk about the formation you're talking defensively and I can tell you we'll play 4-4-2.



“Fabian Ruiz hasn't been playing in the hole; he just closes down the opposition defenders when we press. Our problem has been the gap we leave between the lines and the lack of transition from our wide players at certain times.”



Do you fear your team might be distracted tomorrow ahead of the Champions League match with Liverpool?



“Not at all. We haven't even mentioned the Champions League. Now we have Sampdoria – a new team with a new coach. We'll start thinking about Liverpool oin Sunday.”



What are the main dangers tomorrow?



“For a start, there are hidden dangers in every game. Samp are trying to play a new way and they're highly motivated. They're coming off the back of two defeats too so they'll be determined to bounce back. It can take a while to adjust when you change coach but they remain a very good team.”



Do you think Napoli can aim to win the Scudetto?



“We can certainly aim to challenge for it. My ambition and my aim is that this team plays good, attacking football because I have a team capable of doing that.



“I always try to adapt to the qualities of the players I have available. If I had players who were not so good in possession, you'd see a more defensive, direct team. But I have a squad with lots of technical ability who can play out from the back, play a possession game and an attacking game.



“We're all pulling in the same direction here. We're all hungry and determined to win. The mental aspect is crucial if you want to achieve great things. And we're tremendously motivated here.”