How important were Calzona’s ‘training’ sessions for a team that had lost the playing principles developed under Spalletti?
“Napoli has started running again, winning. It is a team that has rediscovered group alchemy. Calzona, however, also benefited from the work of Mazzarri and Pondrelli, also bringing back the playing principles that had made Napoli great.”
Zielinski could take the field from the first minute against Juve. However, it is known that the player is about to join Inter. How do you judge Calzona’s choice?
“Being such an important match, we need players who are used to playing them. For this reason, I believe that Calzona is right to focus on the Pole, beyond any discussion relating to the contract renewal. On the other hand, if the player is available it is right that the manager can benefit from it. In recent years, Zielinski has made an important contribution to Napoli.”
Calzona continues to keep the ballot open between Juan Jesus and Ostigard, excluding, however, Natan. Would you still focus on the young Brazilian next year?
“I believe that Natan has lost positions in the hierarchy, even after the arrival of Mazzarri, who preferred Juan Jesus. The latter was preserved after the mistake in Cagliari, which is why the coach gave him a rest session, in Reggio Emilia. In the hierarchies, however, I believe Natan is considered the third. He has the qualities to express himself in blue, but I don’t know if the club will decide to focus on him next year. I am sure, however, that Ostigard will take the field against the Bianconeri too.”
If Mazzarri had been able to count on Osimhen, would his path have been different?
“We all know how much Osimhen affects the team. We’re talking about five goals in three games… The Nigerian is half the team and could certainly have had an impact on the Tuscan coach’s path. Furthermore, if he had been able to count on Osimhen, perhaps Walter would not have changed his form of play.”
What prevented you from joining Mazzarri’s staff?
“I often talk to the coach, the affection and esteem that bind us cannot be hidden. There had been talk of joining her staff as soon as she found a team. However, due to the fact that there were already several members of Garcia’s staff under contract, and with the arrival of Pondrelli, Frustalupi and Mazzarri, there was no opportunity to include me. You know, these are somewhat particular dynamics. Arriving in Naples would have pleased me, it is a city and a fan base that I love. Who knows, maybe things will change in the future.”
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