CASTEL VOLTURNO (CASERTA) (ITALPRESS) – “On behalf of myself and on behalf of all the boys we send a big hug to Edoardo Bove. We are all with him. We hope he will be back soon.” Napoli coach Antonio Conte began his press conference with these words two days ahead of the Coppa Italia round of 16 match against Lazio in Rome on Thursday night. His team is leading the league, out of European competition and absolutely determined to go all the way in the Coppa Italia as well. “Our goal is to build something, to grow. And to do that we need to play. This year is penalizing for some players because we only have the league and the Coppa Italia where we played two games. With Modena the basic lineup went on the field, with Palermo we did turn over – the words of the Azzurri coach in the press conference – Tomorrow we will have another clear opportunity to test the growth from everyone. It is important to prepare ourselves well. Going forward in the Cup means having more space to show that improvements are being made. It’s important for the players, for the club and for me. So far we have been good and also lucky not to have injuries. There has been a lot of focus on a small number of players. We face the match with great determination,” said Conte again, who regarding the choices of formations to the possible turnover stressed, “We look from match to match. For us the most important one is Thursday’s. I will make choices before because there are so many players in the squad. We had this good start to the championship not because of the starters alone. The merits should be divided for the whole squad. There is a chance to really feel the growth a little bit of the whole group to see if we are equipped in case of an injury or a fever or if we have to look around. I will give space to those who have deserved it over the past few months. I hope for a great response.” The result against Lazio counts, but the challenge with the biancocelesti can also take on other meanings. “An examination for the winter market? It is not an examination for anyone. I play players that I consider worthy of the opportunity. From Dimaro to today I have seen remarkable growth from all elements. To the talk we have to match the facts. It’s an opportunity for others, they have the chance to say, ‘look I’m there.'” Among the most anticipated is Giacomo Raspadori, a player of undoubted talent but struggling to find space. “I’ve said in the past where he can play. He deserves more. He is part of those 13-14 players who have had more space. He’s smart, I expect to get answers on Thursday as well. He raises the quality of dribbling, of finishing on goal, so I have a pressing need to see Jack from the start. I can’t just do theory. I had thought about arranging some international friendlies with some team that doesn’t play European Cups. But it’s difficult,” Conte said again. Chapter championship, the back-and-forth over Scudetto predictions continues. “Marotta said we are favorites for the title? Inter has two teams and three quarters. We are talking about cosmic nothingness. They focus on us and don’t see who is bothering. These are words the wind carries away. If they don’t win the Scudetto, I don’t think Marotta is happy. Every team starts the year with goals. Then we can declare whatever we want. I understand the party game and the passing the buck. We have to respond to the ambitions of our club. We know what the real goal is. President De Laurentiis also said that. It’s a little game that gives material to newspapers and broadcasts. If he doesn’t win the Scudetto, I don’t think director Marotta would be calm,” Conte concluded.- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
