Napoli
Napoli’s chief medic explains the key to their lack of injuries. “I’d rather players were chubby and happy than skinny and sad.”
 
The Partenopei had fewer injuries than any other side during the Serie A season, despite many of the same XI playing every match, so what was their secret?
 
“We have an exceptional group working with the team and this year thanks to the Coach and his staff we were in the best condition to do our jobs,” Doctor Alfonso De Nicola told Julie Italia.
 
“This summer some will play in Euro 2016, others have friendlies and Gonzalo Higuain will be at the Copa America. That increases our work-load and responsibility.
 
“There are four or five players who’ll have quite a long vacation and we gave them a specific training programme. 
 
“These lads call us almost every day, as they have really got into the idea they need to look after their own business – in other words their bodies – and let the professionals guide them.”
 
There was some controversy during a dip in form when Higuain was accused of being overweight.
 
“I’ve seen players with a few extra kgs do better than when they were thinner. The truth is we need to evaluate every player as a unique individual.
 
“I see some players who are very thin and sad, whereas the chubby ones can go at 200km per hour. The balance between mind and body is the key.”

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