Insigne: 'More difficult as a Neapolitan'

By Football Italia staff

Lorenzo Insigne wants to “repay the faith” shown in him by Italy Coach Roberto Mancini and discusses the pressure of being Napoli captain.

The Euro 2020 qualifier against Greece kicks off tonight at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

“Mancini has always shown faith in me, even when I was coming back from an injury and he started me in both games,” Insigne told Rai Sport.

“I am proud of the way the Coach is putting his faith in everyone in the squad and we all want to repay him for that.”

Despite recent reports, Insigne also insists he has a good rapport with Napoli boss Ancelotti.

“It’s all just gossip, the Coach has always said I am an important player for the team, but some misunderstandings are only normal. Someone in the Italy squad asked me how I could possibly argue with Ancelotti. I told him it’s not an argument, there are just misunderstandings every now and then, but we also joke around and hope to win something together.

“If I get something wrong at Napoli, it all gets inflated out of all proportion. It’s more difficult to be a Napoli captain and a Neapolitan, and yet it probably ought to be the other way around.

“I’ve been struggling with this situation for a couple of years now, but I hope it’s just a sign of the extreme affection these fans have for the team, so they feel as bad as I do when things go badly.

“I might seem arrogant at times, but it’s a false impression. I appreciate those who support me and hope to one day change the minds of the others.

“As long as I wear the captain’s armband, I will die for the Napoli jersey. Wearing it has always been my dream.”

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