Rafa Benitez approves of packing the San Paolo stands with children to “thank the fans” for the last game against Verona.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
Rafa Benitez approves of packing the San Paolo stands with children to “thank the fans” for the last game against Verona.
It kicks off on Sunday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
The Partenopei were ordered to play two home fixtures behind closed doors – reduced to one on appeal – due to crowd trouble, so like Juventus” data-scaytid=”3″>Juventus have received permission to give free entry only to children.
“It is certainly a good message to send out, as the children are the future of our city. Today we wanted to open the doors of the San Paolo in our training session to thank the fans,” said Benitez in his Press conference.
“I have been to see many monuments in Naples and there ought to be better marketing, as it is a fantastic city. An Argentine friend visited for three days and was stunned by its beauty.
“It is not easy to win a trophy in our first season, so for Napoli the Coppa Italia was a real success. Now we must look to the future and prepare the right mentality so we can be consistent throughout the season.
“The team has made steps forward, finishing third in Serie A and tomorrow we could score our 100th goal as well as reaching the club record for points. We were unfortunate that this year Juventus and Roma did even better.
“Are we beginning a new era at Napoli? It is important to start with a trophy, as we give the impression of a team that wants to win and is still young. I make every decision for me and for the club.
“There are regrets, as we had a few too many draws when in good shape and were unlucky in the first meeting with Roma. Football lives on incidents, but if you finish 12-15 points in front, then that means you deserved it.”
Director of sport Riccardo Bigon said Napoli were “very close” to their first signing of the summer, reportedly Genk defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
“I won’t talk about that. I was only told someone is close and each day will be even closer,” noted Benitez.
“I always said the key is finding players who understand my ideas of football. If a player does, then he can take part in many different positions. An example is Henrique, who played in three roles.
“We are looking for quality players who can improve the squad, but it’s not easy.”