Allan thanked Napoli for his first Brazil call-up and discussed the differences between Maurizio Sarri and Carlo Ancelotti, including the latter’s secret Euro weapon.
The Partenopei face Roma on Sunday at 19.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Allan thanked Napoli for his first Brazil call-up and discussed the differences between Maurizio Sarri and Carlo Ancelotti, including the latter’s secret Euro weapon.
The Partenopei face Roma on Sunday at 19.30 GMT, click here for a match preview.
Napoli-Roma live stream kicks off on Eleven Sports in the UK & Ireland at 7:30pm on Sunday October 28, 2018. It’s available on mobile, online and via connected TV sets. Click here to watch now!
“In my four years here, I’ve never been able to beat Roma and that’s a curse I hope to end,” he told Il Mattino newspaper.
“Edin Dzeko is a complete striker, as he can score with his right foot, left or his head. Daniele De Rossi is a great player and sets the example for others, making himself indispensable even at his age. I expect a good midfield battle.”
Allan impressed in Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw at Paris Saint-Germain, a game they had been leading twice at Parc des Princes.
“Sarri was maniacal about details and gave us a spectacular style of football. It was enjoyable to play in his team, because we dominated possession.
“Ancelotti is a champion with a great CV, but his personality is different to Sarri, as he gives off a sense of calm and tranquillity. Everyone feels part of the group, even those who hadn’t played that much before. Squad rotation is useful to ensure we’re all in good shape and don’t lose anyone along the way.
“Ancelotti maintains that he always had good fortune in the Champions League, both as a player and a Coach. We hope that continues with us!
“There are stronger sides than Napoli in the tournament, but we can aim to repeat what Roma did last season by reaching the Champions League semi-final.
“I don’t see why the Scudetto shouldn’t be an objective. Juventus are strong and now have Cristiano Ronaldo, but they are not unbeatable. We came so close last term and if Napoli were to win the title, the city would go crazy.”
Allan had been on the radar of Italy CT Roberto Mancini and has dual nationality, but his performances in Serie A and the Champions League convinced Brazil to dive in with a call.
“I’ve been working hard for many years and it’s so satisfying. I hope this is just a starting point for me. I don’t know if I’m a leader for Napoli. I play with exceptional teammates and try to do my best, to battle for every ball.
“I am very happy at Napoli, my son Miguel speaks perfect Neapolitan dialect and the city reminds me of Rio de Janeiro, so I feel very at home. It has the same joy and of course the sea.
“The real trauma for me was moving from Rio to Udine. I was young and it was so tough at the start, but then I settled and that experience helped me a great deal.
“The most Neapolitan of the foreign players here is Dries Mertens, he lives the city from start to finish. He’s an authentic Neapolitan now!”