Spinazzola: Napoli must focus, Inter stronger than last year | OneFootball

Leonardo Spinazzola, a key player for Antonio Conte’s Napoli, spoke to Radio Crc, analyzing the team’s current situation after the heavy 6-2 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

Napoli, Spinazzola warns his teammates: “Against PSV we lacked focus, in defense details matter. Inter is stronger than last year”

The Napoli winger acknowledged the mistakes made and pointed out the way forward ahead of the big match against Inter.

“Against PSV we lacked focus, against City we showed solidity”

Spinazzola did not look for excuses for the European debacle, highlighting the lack of defensive attention as the main problem: “PSV-Napoli? We conceded goals that aren’t like us. We lacked focus, we lacked that fear of conceding goals that always needs to be there. This attitude was missing even in some matches we won. Against Manchester City, on the other hand, we held out for 70 minutes with ten men with great focus, trying not to concede. We need to build on these positives and improve our play. The hunger that has always set us apart must never be missing.”

“Champions League? First, we focus on the league, then on Europe”

Regarding the European campaign and season objectives, Spinazzola was very pragmatic: “Our focus now is on the upcoming league matches. In the Champions League, we have to try to win as much as possible, but everything starts with victories in Serie A and being united. I always try to give my best, but honestly, I prefer the team to win: that’s my only wish.”

“I’m comfortable playing further forward, but in defense details matter”

The Roman full-back then spoke about his role and Napoli’s defensive difficulties: “I like playing further forward, I feel comfortable when I have space ahead of me. Whether high or deep, the wing is always the same. We’re improving our high pressing, because I remember few chances conceded when we press well. Problems arise when we manage the ball: sometimes we lack details, the awareness that the opponent can hurt us. Even a centimeter less can make the difference.”

“Inter is stronger than last year, we’ll need hunger and focus”

His attention is already on the next Serie A match against Inter, an opponent Spinazzola considers among the most complete in Europe: “Inter is an extremely strong team, even more so than last year. We know we’re facing a tough match, we’ll need focus and hunger. They’ve strengthened their bench as well, they’re physically stronger, and it will be a battle. Dumfries? You have to face him with great focus and a lot of running.”

“The National Team gave me an extra boost”

Finally, a personal thought on his recent call-up to the national team: “Being called up to the National Team meant a lot to me, it’s a great satisfaction after a few years. It means I’m working well and it gives me extra motivation to keep going.”

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