Careca on Roma v Napoli: title race memories and April promise | OneFootball

Antonio de Oliveira Filho, known to everyone as Careca, continues to be an enduring symbol of Neapolitan football. Every time he returns to Italy, it evokes a nostalgia that unites Maradona, Napoli's golden years, and a way of interpreting football that belongs to history.

Careca talks about Roma-Napoli and the title race: analysis, memories, and a promise for April

"Every time I'm here, I'm overwhelmed with love," he confesses. A mutual feeling, born from his goals and a bond that time has never weakened.

Roma-Napoli, a challenge that recalls the past and writes the present

Every time the Giallorossi and the Azzurri face each other, the famous goal by Careca in the season of the second championship comes to mind. He smiles: "But I never scored ugly goals... Do you remember any?"

Today, however, the former striker's gaze is on the stars of the present, from Neres' goals to Scamacca's power: "I really like that guy, he would be an ideal acquisition for many teams and can also make an important contribution to the Italian national team."

Brazil, endless talents and certainties on the bench

Speaking of the new talent Estevao, Careca has no doubts: "Everything comes naturally to him. In the Premier League, and at Chelsea, he can only improve." And when the conversation turns to Carlo Ancelotti, his judgment is clear: "He was met with some criticism, but he has won everywhere and is a person of great depth. The field speaks for Carlo."

The moment for Italy and the need for a boost

The former striker comments frankly on the national team's situation: "Missing another World Cup is not allowed. It would be at least sixteen years without a showcase that fuels passion. Scamacca is coming back and can be decisive in the playoffs."

Neres, a talent on the rise

Careca appreciates his evolution: "In that position, he sees the goal well. If the game allows it, he can slip away and they won't catch him. He has speed, courage, and a way of attacking space that challenges any defender."

Roma and Atalanta: two opponents coached by masters

On Roma's value, Careca is clear: "They play very well, even if they are far from the standards of Gasperini's Atalanta. But they'll get there."

And on Gasp, the judgment is almost affectionate: "He's excellent. He has brought Atalanta to the top and won the Europa League with style. When he was a player, he was already a serious guy, now he's a great coach. For me, he will be at the top until the end."

A title race challenge, but without premature verdicts

Roma-Napoli is already much more than just a match: "It's a clash between two title contenders, even if it's too early to call it decisive. Championships are won from March onwards, but the current points matter."

Conte and Gasperini: two leaders with the same fire

Careca sees an emotional continuity in the two coaches: "They live football in the same way. Conte has won a lot, Gasperini has marked an era and is now making an impact in Rome."

Napoli between injuries and resilience

Arriving in Italy, Careca found a Napoli seemingly in difficulty: "It was never really in crisis. Six international players were missing: giving up Lukaku, De Bruyne, and Anguissa means losing physicality and quality. Without Gilmour, Meret, and Gutierrez, it's difficult to rotate the players."

Hojlund, between struggle and future

Today, the Azzurri's forward is Hojlund, a talent on the rise: "He's struggling a bit, but he works generously. The lack of goals affects him, but he will unlock soon. He must stay calm."

The title race: four certainties

For Careca, four teams will compete for the title: "Inter, Milan, Napoli, and Roma. The others are doing well, but I don't see them in the race until the end."

A look at the derby and a judgment on the Milan teams

He followed the Milan derby from afar: "Maignan was decisive. Milan has the mentality of a great team. I expected fewer defeats from Inter: four in twelve matches are many, especially three in direct clashes."

Nostalgia for the Champions Cup

The former striker, thinking of his years, reflects: "That Napoli would have filled stadiums everywhere. I noticed certain spaces in today's matches and imagined what we could have done, me, Maradona, Giordano, and Carnevale. I always miss Diego."

The return to Italy?

The answer is a promise: "When will I return? For Napoli's fifth championship. Around April..."

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