Napoli will stick to their guns and continue to adopt an attacking brand of football when they visit Jose Mourinho's Roma on Sunday, says Luciano Spalletti.
The Azzurri boss was speaking to the gathered media the day before the two sides' Serie A meeting in the capital.
Read on to find out what he had to say...
“We'll look to spend as much of the game as possible in the opposition half, obviously trying to maintain our shape so that we don't get caught out at the back. You do need to be cautious but I think we're doing the right thing by pursuing our philosophy of playing attacking football. It's often produced spectacular games, including when we've come up against top teams in Italy and Europe.
“It's right to try and exploit your own team's potential first and foremost but you look at your opponents' strengths and weaknesses too. We have certain things we try to do and qualities we can leverage. We have to believe in ourselves and our ability.
“Roma are doing well and they've shown what a good team they are. We must show our quality and keep up the good things we've been doing but with greater intensity and speed. Roma are particularly good from dead-ball situations and that's been a factor in many of their results. We must try to limit the number of set pieces we give away and keep the ball more ourselves.
"Mourinho is a fantastic coach and a very successful one. We all know what he's achieved. I admire him and I consider him a friend, as I think he considers me.
“He prepares for matches by studying everything down to the finest detail. I don't know if he'll be focusing more on what we can do or how he wants his own team to play. What I'm concerned with is how we play ourselves."
Spalletti also commented on the likelihood of Frank Anguissa and Victor Osimhen taking part.
"Victor has waited the right length of time and now he's in the right shape to play from the start.
“I don't think Frank will be involved in this one. It wouldn't be right to risk him. We have other players who have trained well this week who can play in the same position. Whoever plays will be up to the task.”
Finally, the former Giallorossi coach was asked how he feels about returning to the Olimpico.
“Good memories always override the bad ones. I'm happy to go back to Rome because everyone I meet smiles at me. I enjoy going back to the Olimpico. I don't know how things will pan out on the pitch but it won't change the wonderful experience I had there and the excellent relationship I have with lots of people to this day.”
