Napoli v Inter: Pandev says Napoli poor v PSV, Conte still top manager | OneFootball

On the eve of the big match between Napoli and Inter, former striker Goran Pandev, who wore both jerseys during his career, gave an interview to La Repubblica, analyzing Antonio Conte’s team’s current form and the prospects for the clash at the Maradona.

Napoli-Inter, the double ex Pandev: “Napoli disastrous against PSV, but Conte in Serie A remains a top-class coach”

Pandev did not mince words when commenting on the heavy defeat suffered by the Azzurri in the Champions League against PSV: “Napoli disappointed me in Eindhoven. They played a disastrous match. In Europe you can’t afford to put on performances like that. A team like Napoli must always show personality, especially when facing high-level opponents.”

According to the former Macedonian striker, the performance in the Netherlands does not reflect the true value of the Azzurri squad: “The quality is there, but in Europe concentration must be total. Individual mistakes and lapses in focus are paid for dearly.”

“Conte in Italy is a top-class coach”

Despite the European difficulties, Pandev wanted to highlight the value of the coach from Salento: “Conte, especially in the league, is a top-class coach. He knows how to build a winning team, he has unique intensity and mentality. In Italy, he is one of those coaches who make a difference, as shown by the titles he’s won and his ability to create united groups.”

On the clash with Inter, the former Treble-winning striker added: “The Champions League and Serie A are two different worlds. For Inter, it won’t be a walk in the park; Napoli has pride and wants to react. More than tactics, I believe that tomorrow a great individual play could be decisive, in an incredible setting like the Maradona.”

Memories of Napoli

During the interview, Pandev also recalled his years in blue, sharing memories and affection for the city: “Naples has stayed in my heart. I lived in Vomero and often dined in Posillipo. I’m sorry I haven’t yet visited Diego’s mural in the Spanish Quarters. It’s a symbol of what football means to that city.”

On the character and growth of the Neapolitan club, he added: “I’m not superstitious, I believe in hard work, fairness, and determination. These were the qualities of Napoli when I played there. You could sense that the club would achieve great things, and so it has.”

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