Ancelotti: Italian hopes on Napoli

By Football Italia staff

Carlo Ancelotti has urged Napoli to take responsibility as ‘the only Italian side left in Europe’ ahead of their Europa League quarter-final against Arsenal.

Speaking at his Press conference for the showdown at the San Paolo, Ancelotti revealed what it would take from his Napoli team to reach the semi-finals.

“Courage, intelligence, and heart,” replied the Coach.

“I saw little courage in the first game, especially in the first half. Intelligence, we took too many risks, but we had to.

“We will have to put our hearts into it tomorrow and play with intensity. We have a great opportunity that we must seize with a positive mental attitude.”

Ancelotti tested out the trio of Arkadiusz Milik, Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens in the Partenopei’s 3-1 win against Chievo at the weekend.

“Yes, it’s a possibility,” remarked the 59-year-old when asked if he would stick with a three-pronged attack.

“The game lasts 90 minutes and this doesn’t mean we have to score in the first 15, 20, or 30 minutes. We want to keep the game open as long as possible.

“We are at this moment the only Italian side left in Europe and we hope to still be there on Friday.

“Napoli will put on a great performance and I think that could be enough, we can do it.”

The Azzurri were outplayed for large parts of the first leg and found themselves two goals down inside the opening half-hour, going on to lose 2-0…

“We couldn’t find a way out of their pressing and we struggled with the atmosphere,” he admitted.

“These conditions won’t be there tomorrow. In fact, there will be the complete opposite atmosphere and the support of our fans will be important.

“If the team plays well the San Paolo will help us, otherwise it won’t. We need a top-level performance. Personality comes through play. If you play well, your personality increases.

“Surely tomorrow we will show more courage and personality.”

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