Napoli captain banking on Osimhen says Champions League is Madrid competition

Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo warns that the Champions League is ‘Real Madrid‘s home’ and insists Victor Osimhen ‘hasn’t changed.’

 The Italy international spoke at a press conference on the eve of Tuesday’s home Champions League game against Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid.

“It is a game we must play, this competition is Real Madrid’s home, they’ve won the trophy many times, but we are ready, we play at home, so the stadium will be full and we’ll do our best to cause trouble for them,” he said as quoted by TMW.

“We know we face a strong side, but we are ready. It will be thrilling.”

The Italy international will face one of Real Madrid’s stars, Vini Jr, down the right flank.

“He is a great champion, he is young but already decisive,” noted Di Lorenzo.

“However, we must pay attention to all their players, not just one. We must play with our identity.

“I don’t play just to run behind opponents. I’ll try to play as I know, as always. We know we face a strong team with many champions, but we must play as a team and try to be attacking-minded.”

All eyes have been on Osimhen lately. The Nigerian striker had complained to Napoli coach Garcia after being subbed off against Bologna before his agent threatened the club he’d take legal action due to TikTok videos published and then removed by the Partenopei.

Osimhen was introduced as a substitute in a 4-0 win over Lecce on Saturday and scored one of Napoli’s goals.

“Nothing has changed for us. His relationships inside the dressing room, his behaviour,

and his desire to give the best for this team have not changed,” claimed Di Lorenzo.

“He is always available for his teammates, as you saw in the game [against Lecce]. To us, he is the same Osimhen. A great player who gives his best and will continue doing the same tomorrow.”

Napoli won the last two Serie A games plus their Champions League opener against Braga two weeks ago, but Di Lorenzo seemed fed up with comparisons with the previous campaign.

“There’s a thing annoying me a little,” he admitted.

“When we don’t do well, they say we are not the same as last season. When we do well, they say the old team is back. They keep talking about last season’s Napoli, but we must look ahead. We were not at our best at some moments, but the season is long and we are all focused on our path. We won the first Champions League game away, so we are calm for tomorrow. We need courage, I am sure we’ll play a great game.”

Speaking about his ex-coach Ancelotti during an interview with Sky Sport Italia, Di Lorenzo added: “He trusted me and it will be nice to see him again. Being coached by him was a source of pride, we’ll be opponents tomorrow, but I’ll thank him forever.”