The Azzurri coach delivered a press conference on the eve of Napoli's league opener
"We’ll need to put in a serious, high-quality performance at the Marassi because we’re up against a very strong opponent." Max Allegri shared his thoughts ahead of his side’s game away against Genoa tomorrow, which kicks off at 20:45 CEST.
"The start of a season always excites me, especially in a passionate and important city like Naples. We’ve got a real challenge tomorrow us against an opponent who are strong both physically and technically. We’ll need to put in a solid and top-level performance.
"I believe that I’ve got an excellent squad at my disposal which I’ve inherited from a great coach, Antonio Conte. He did a top job here. This makes me optimistic, as does the willingness the lads have shown me since I walked in the building.
"What you’ll get from me is great professionalism and plenty of enthusiasm. I’m coaching a team that’s done really well in seasons gone by. Leading a squad of this calibre is a significant responsibility for me, but also a huge source of motivation.
"I reckon we’re set for an exciting and balanced Serie A season. Inter are the defending champions, so they’ll start with an advantage, but there are at least eight well-equipped sides who are capable of competing for the top spots. It’s a whole new footballing landscape, so we need to stick together and work in the best possible way to stay competitive across all of the three competitions that we’re involved in.
"We’ve got to keep the fires burning. It’ll be an action-packed campaign, and we want to prove that we’re up to the task both in Italy and in Europe. We’ve got an excellent squad with some new additions, and we can build on the results this team has achieved in recent years."
