Luciano Spalletti highlighted Napoli's desire to prove themselves once again this season after an impressive campaign last time out.
The coach was speaking to the media on the first day of the team's training camp in Dimaro-Folgarida.
What's your first impression of the new signings?
“[Kvicha] Kvaratskhelia and [Mathias] Olivera are two quality players who we have high hopes for. For now they're following personalised progammes so that we can ease them in gradually. We know all about their ability and we're pleased to have them here with us.”
Do you see not winning the Scudetto last season as a missed opportunity?
“When you say 'missed opportunity', you forget where we came from in the previous seasons and just how far we went. I think spending the whole season in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League is an extraordinary achievement for our team. We have to assess things objectively and accept that it was a very good result. Last year we worked really hard to be able to hear the Champions League music. The thought of playing in the competition brings a smile to my face every morning.”
On Alex Meret and David Ospina:
"Meret is a young and very reliable keeper. I don't know who said he's not good with his feet. He's an all-round goalie and a regular member of the Italy squad. He's constantly working to improve and he's top quality. We would have liked to keep Ospina but people make career choices and you have to respect them.”
Will the team be weakened on the left flank without Lorenzo Insigne?
“We have Kvara on the left and he's got tremendous ability. We also have [Alessio] Zerbin, who's a talented lad, and then further back we have Mario Rui and Olivera, who can put lots of balls into the box for [Victor] Osimhen.”
How are you planning training ahead of the new season?
“We must train hard so that we can start strong. We need to plan for the first 15 matches because then we'll have the break and we'll need to top up our work. We have an exceptional fitness coach in [Francesco] Sinatti and we're sure we can get the squad in top condition for the start of the league.”
Do you think Napoli will be able to challenge both in Serie A and the Champions League?
“If we have top-level players with the right character, we'll be able to have our say. We're not in the same league as the really big clubs, especially in Europe, so we'll need to add something extra to our game if we want to compete. We'll be up against some fantastic teams in Serie A as well but we'll give our all to try and compete.”
Do you see Kalidou Koulibaly as a player who is not for sale?
"The club has made big contract offers to a number of players and our intention is to keep all our best players. But we'll also need to weigh up any offers we receive and keep the books in order. In the modern game there are lots of things to factor in.”
Do you expect Osimhen to express his full potential this season?
“Victor has fantastic ability, incredible pace and great stamina too, but he can improve his timing and his movement. We also have to give him better service in the air because that's another area where he excels.”
How do you assess your team and what are your ambitions?
“Last year we produced some magnificent performances. The lads always gave everything and showed how determined they were to give joy to the fans. I see the same desire in their eyes this season, the same determination to give every last drop. We'll need quality, skill, character, physicality and anything else we can bring to our game so that we can compete.”
