20:08
How Napoli has changed with Calzona
Tomorrow against Barcelona, Napoli will play exactly as per the post-Turin slogan: without fear. High pressure from the front line, re-aggressions, speed: this is why a lot of attention was paid to intensity on the pitch; much more than what had happened with the two previous technical managements.
19:53
Napoli, the probable eleven against Barcelona
Here is Napoli’s probable lineup for the match against Barcelona: Meret in goal; four-man defensive line with Di Lorenzo on the right, Rrahamani alongside Juan Jesus, and Olivera on the left; in midfield space for Anguissa, Lobotka and Traore; in attack the classic trident Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia.
19:45
Osimhen smiling in training
Napoli expects a lot from Victor Osimhensmiling this morning in Castel Volturno during training on the eve of the match against Barcelona. Here are the pictures:
19:37
De Laurentiis stops Politano on Sky
Shortly before the Calzona and Politano conference began, president Aurelio De Laurentiis – who then attended the conference live – stopped the Napoli striker who was about to be interviewed by Sky. (READ THE NEWS)
19:30
Conference over
Calzona and Politano’s press conference ends on the eve of Barcelona-Napoli.
19:29
“Lobotka? Very high performance with me”
“Lobotka? I’m lucky enough to also coach him in Slovakia. I’ve been working there for a year and a half and he has always had a very high performance. Even since I arrived in Naples it has had a very high performance. For me it’s a certainty and I’m very happy to train him. How much will De Jong’s absence weigh? We are talking about a modern player, who has everything, who can do everything. He will be missing a starter, we know that, but Barcelona have a large squad to replace him.”
19:28
“We have to work to be a team”
“Arma? Being a team for ninety or one hundred and twenty minutes. The individual goal must be achieved through the common goal. I expect the team to take a step forward, it must be a strong group. The boys understood that in this aspect we still have to work, what we have done is not enough. Only by improving can we achieve our goals.”
19:26
“We have changed a lot compared to the first leg”
“It will be a match that takes care of itself, it’s not for everyone to play the quarterfinals against an opponent of this level. I haven’t spent any words on this issue, there’s no need, with the team we focused on other aspects because we still have some flaws. Conceding certain things can be fatal. Compared to the first leg we have changed a lot, now the team is more compact, they concede less, we manage to create more, we are scoring enough, we defend forward because I don’t like running backwardsbut the credit goes to the guys who in three weeks they have made giant steps forward. But the journey is not over, we still have a lot to do to become what I would like.”
19:24
Calzona: “Fear? No, you need boldness”
“How do you train fear? If you are afraid you don’t even have to show up to these appointmentsrather you must have the shamelessness of facing a strong and healthy opponent but knowing that Napoli can play on equal terms with anyone and try to win matches.”
19:23
Calzona: “For us it will be the match of the year”
They point out to him that for many, Friday’s match against Torino was above all the match of a wild Kvaratskhelia: “With Torino all of Napoli played an excellent team match, it’s clear that Kvara played an excellent match, but we have improved so many things. Only the victory was missing, but I am very happy with the match. With Barcelona the challenge is very important, it’s the race of the yeargoing through would mean a lot on a corporate level and in terms of enthusiasm for the team.”
19:22
Calzona: “Happy to coach my team”
The press conference begins Francesco Calzona, coach of Napoli. The first question is from a Spanish journalist who asks him about the Barcelona squad and wants an opinion on the Blaugrana team: “I really like the Barcelona players, but I’m happy to coach my team. Yamal? He has the qualities to become one of the first in the world without a doubt, he is very young and already looks like a veteran. If he doesn’t get lost along the way, he has the qualities to become a top player.”
19:20
Politano: “We will defend forward by taking advantage of Osimhen”
Politano again: “There are many experienced players in the team, matches like this are prepared on their own. The desire is great, the objective is to get through, it would be important for us, the fans and the club. Napoli will have to play like Naples, dribble well, defend forward with a high center of gravity because we know the strength of their attackers, but also they can suffer our depth with Osimhenwe will definitely have opportunities that we will have to exploit.”
19:17
Politano: “The dribble is our strength”
The press conference begins. The Napoli striker takes the floor first, Matteo Politano: “We’re back to dribbling, our strength. We’re keeping our opponents in their own penalty area and we’re good at this with the many offensive players we have. With Barcelona we have to continue like this, dribblingwe studied them well.”
19:03
Makkelie referees Barcelona-Napoli
Dutchman Danny Makkelie will referee Barcelona-Napoli, the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. Assistants were compatriots Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries, fourth official Allard Lindhout. At VAR there will be Rob Dieperink, supported by Clay Ruperti.
18:58
Politano will also be with Calzona
A few minutes and the conference by Napoli coach Francesco Calzona will begin. Alongside him there will be Matteo Politano.
18:51
Cajuste is back and we will see Ngonge for the first time
They return to Napoli’s disposal for Barcelona Rrahmani, Cajuste and Ngonge that this morning in Castel Volturno before leaving for Spain they worked as a team. Important recoveries for Calzona who will have ample choice in attack while the Swede’s return in midfield is invaluable.
18:40
Braida confident: his words
Ariedo Braida spoke to Radio CRC: “Barcelona is a great place, but at this moment it is no longer the great Barcelona. It’s a good team with talented guys. If Napoli goes there with desire, determination and enthusiasm, I think he has a good chance of getting through“.
18:27
Xavi in conference: praise for an Italian player
While waiting for Calzona, who will speak at 7pm, Xavi, Barcelona coach, spoke at the conference in the afternoon and praised Napoli and one Italian player in particular, Lobotka. (READ HIS STATEMENTS)
18:18
Geolier in Barcelona with the team
The Neapolitan rapper was also on the flight to Barcelona Oilier, fresh from second place at the Italian Song Festival, hosted for the last time by Amadeus. One more fan for Napoli. (READ THE NEWS)
18:08
Napoli, the players called up for Barcelona
Good news for Calzona who has recovered everyone. Full squad for Barcelona, with only Dendoncker, Demme and Zielinski missing from the UEFA list. (THE CALLED HERE)
Olympic Stadium Lluís Companys – Barcelona