Could Thursday’s race be an exam for some in view of January? This is one of the questions asked in the press conference Antonio Contecoach of Naples that two days before the match against the Lazio – match valid for the round of 16 of the Italian Cup – he responded like this: “No, it’s not an exam for anyone. There’s absolutely no need to be ruthless. I will let players play who I think deserve this opportunity, also because from Dimaro to today I have seen a notable growth on the part of all the elements. Then we must also match the chatter with facts, be credible. I expressed myself by saying that I am happy with the growth of the group, with the growth of the individuals ‘opportunity for everyone to let everyone know that they are there… By not playing the European cups we have the advantage of working for a week, but at the same time a squad has been set up to play in the championship and the Italian Cup as far as we go.”
On Giacomo Raspadori, striker expected in the starting eleven: “Raspadori is an important player for us, one of those who deserves more space. I think he is part of the 13-14 players who have played more since the start of the season, he is an intelligent player and we are trying things with him. I expect confirmations on Thursday too: he has quality, he raises our quality in dribbling, and therefore I urgently need to see Jack from the start. We are trying some things, but then they have to be tested in the match otherwise it will all remain theory.”
CLICK HERE to read Antonio Conte’s full press conference.