Carlo Ancelotti warned Napoli that Roma could have an unpredictable reaction to recent problems, while he’ll “chain myself to the gates” if Allan and Kalidou Koulibaly are sold.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time, click here for a match preview.
Carlo Ancelotti warned Napoli that Roma could have an unpredictable reaction to recent problems, while he’ll “chain myself to the gates” if Allan and Kalidou Koulibaly are sold.
It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time, click here for a match preview.
“I had a wonderful period of my career at Roma and was very happy there, regardless of my many injuries,” said the Coach and former midfielder in his Press conference.
“A victory would be a real boost to our confidence. You keep asking me questions about Arsenal and the Europa League quarter-final, but the best way to prepare for that is to put together a run of positive performances in Serie A and gain confidence.
“It’d be madness to think about London now. We are up against a strong Roma side and it’s an important match to consolidate second place.
“Roma are under pressure and that can make the players even more motivated. The psychological strength is in our hands and we’ll see if that situation increases Roma’s concern or their courage.”
Lorenzo Insigne, Raul Albiol, Vlad Chiriches, Faouzi Ghoulam, David Ospina and Amadou Diawara are injured, with Piotr Zielinski suspended.
“Fabian Ruiz has fully recovered from his fever and is in good shape. Amin Younes might not have 90 minutes in his legs yet, but he has real margin for improvement. We’ll see if he starts or comes off the bench.”
Ancelotti was also asked about transfer reports, having stated the “big names” including Allan and Kalidou Koulibaly would not be sold.
“We have no reason to sell and therefore they will stay. If they leave, I’ll chain myself to the gates! I read the papers, but it ends there and there’s no point wasting energy on stories when 90 per cent of them aren’t true.
“Dries Mertens is a positive influence, both on and off the field. If I have to imagine a future of Napoli, I can see it with him.”