Napoli: Di Lorenzo rallies team, aiming for Champions League final | OneFootball

On the eve of the Italian Super Cup semifinal against Milan, Napoli also relies on the voice of its captain.

Napoli, Di Lorenzo rallies the team: “We want the final and we will give it our all”

In a press conference, alongside Antonio Conte, Giovanni Di Lorenzo conveyed confidence, determination, and a sense of responsibility, clarifying the Azzurri's goal: to reach the final and compete for the trophy to the end.

“We are ready, this is another competition”

Di Lorenzo starts with an analysis of the team's current state, downplaying the impact of the last two defeats: “I think we are in good shape. Physically, we are well. It's true that we lost the last two matches, but this is another competition. It's a knockout match and we are eager to face the challenge on equal terms.”

A clear message, highlighting how the Super Cup represents a different context, capable of resetting judgments and putting everything back into play.

Pressure and condition: “We are ready mentally too”

In recent commitments, Napoli has appeared at times less brilliant physically. However, the captain dismisses the idea of a structural problem: “We are professionals and ready to play at all times. I try to train well because I believe you play as you train.”

Di Lorenzo emphasizes the mental aspect: “These matches with so much pressure involve a great mental expenditure, but we are ready for this too. We all try to give our best.”

Super Cup, third personal opportunity

For Di Lorenzo, Thursday will be another important chance in his career: “We want to reach the final, that is the goal, and the team is ready. We know we are facing a strong team, the concentration is at its peak. We want to play for this trophy to the best of our abilities.”

Regarding the possibility of going to penalties, the captain is clear: “We want to win in regular time. Penalties are a lottery.”

Young players included and team spirit

With numerous absences, Conte has decided to bring along four players from the Primavera. An aspect that Di Lorenzo considers natural within the Napoli project: “They are guys who often train with us, they are almost part of the group. We try to make them comfortable to express themselves at their best.”

The tactical key: defense and transitions

Delving into the match, the captain identifies a fundamental aspect: “The match heavily depends on how we defend. When you defend well, you attack better.”

A concept dear to Conte, which Di Lorenzo reiterates: “The defensive phase involves everyone. We will need to play a proper defensive game to then showcase our qualities when we have the ball.”

Past encounters with Milan don't count

In recent years, Napoli has often struggled against the Rossoneri, but for the captain, looking back is of little use: “Past encounters count for little. The only thing that matters is what will happen on the field. We are facing a great team, but we are ready and will try our best to play for the final.”

Di Lorenzo's message is clear and direct: respect for Milan, no excuses, and a precise goal. Napoli wants the final, and in Riyadh, they will take the field to claim it.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.