Spalletti banking on Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia to beat Frankfurt
Napoli only lost one game in their Champions League group, which they won ahead of last year’s finalists Liverpool
Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti believes Eintracht Frankfurt have more experience than the Partenopei in knock-out games but can rely on Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who are ‘sending messages to World Football.’
The Partenopei visit the Bundesliga side in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday.
“I know my players quite well and I know what kind of men they are, so I expect the right attitude, “Spalletti said at a press conference.
“They have more experience than us in knock-out games, but we’ve been trying to develop this in the last few games, playing without thinking about the little advantage we have in Serie A.”
Eintracht boss Oliver Glasner praised the Partenopei in his pre-match press conference, saying that Spalletti’s lads look ‘anti-Italian’ for the way they play.
“This anti-Italian thing is a cliché. Sometimes teams playing in Europe decide to leave space for the opponent,” said Spalletti.
“Eintracht are very aggressive but can also track back quickly. We all use different styles, but due to the quality in Europe, it’s very difficult to play constantly in the opposing half.”
Spalletti was asked his thoughts on the current campaign and whether their impressive run in Serie A can finally lead to the first Scudetto in over 30 years.
“I don’t trust you, I am still thinking about questions at the start of the season when you thought we wouldn’t qualify for the Champions League,” noted the Italian tactician.
“Now you are saying the opposite. We know we have potential, just like our opponents. Napoli are a strong side, but they also have chances, it’s 50-50.”
Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia have taken Serie A by storm this season, combining 31 goals across all competitions.
“In terms of maturity, I can mention Osimhen’s example. As soon as he felt a little problem with Sassuolo, he evaluated correctly, asking for a substitution,” said Spalletti.
“This is a player who can make the correct assessment. These two players have the flair, the fantasy and the quality to send messages to World Football. At the same time, they are still very young. De Laurentiis and Giuntoli selected them from a big list of candidates. I am convinced they will have the right attitude on Tuesday.”
Napoli only lost one game in their Champions League group, which they won ahead of last year’s finalists Liverpool.
They are enjoying a 15-point lead on top of the Serie A table with 20 victories, two draws and only one defeat.
