Juventus” data-scaytid=”1″>Juventus director Beppe Marotta hit back at Rafa Benitez and revealed the welcome in Naples was “not as bad as last year.”
Juventus director Beppe Marotta hit back at Rafa Benitez and revealed the welcome in Naples was “not as bad as last year.”
The general manager spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of tonight’s Serie A showdown at the Stadio San Paolo.
“We are forced to play every game with huge motivation, because all our opponents play the game of their lives against us.
“The journey to the stadium was better than last year, certainly, but it still doesn’t seem right that a football team has to be accompanied to the stadium by a police escort with armoured vehicles. There were some eggs thrown and a few insults, but overall not that bad.”
There is a huge security presence around this game and reports police confiscated fireworks that were hidden in baguettes, frisking both Juventus and Napoli fans on their way in.
Marotta commented on Napoli Coach Benitez’s claim Juventus have a huge advantage in the Scudetto race due to their larger revenue.
“Coaches should primarily talk about football and leave the economic side to directors. If it was a compliment, then I’ll take it, but I didn’t see that approach taken in the papers.
“Juventus are one of the oldest clubs in Italy and a global brand, while if we increased our revenue in recent years it is down to the hard work of the President, directors and management.”
Roma Coach Rudi Garcia said today that he hopes Napoli win, as he still believes they can catch Juventus at the top of the table.
“It seems only right that Garcia is in charge of Roma and has to motivate his men to the end, but we are motivated too and have no intention of easing off. We have an advantage, but still know we have to bring out quality and determination in every match.”