On the eve of the match between Napoli and Roma, the Giallorossi coach Claudio Ranieri analyzed the moment of the two teams, underlining the difficulties of Roma and praising the work of Antonio Conte at the helm of the Azzurri. "What kind of Napoli is Conte's? Before the start of the season, I said they'd finish first or second with him. They're a team in good form, doing very well. It will be a great and difficult match, both for us and for them."
Ranieri also addressed the issue of the emotional state of the Roma dressing room. "If Juric found a sad environment, imagine me. I tried to talk to the kids about the child inside them. That dream is still inside me, and I want them to find it too. We do the best job in the world. It's natural to fall, but only those who get back up can face difficulties and overcome them."
Ranieri didn't give any details on the possible line-up against Napoli, responding with his usual mix of experience and irony: "Did I promise Angelino wouldn't play defensive end anymore? Coaches are all liars." he said with a smile. And on Cristante as a defender he clarified: "He can play there, but if I have Hummels, why would I put Cristante in? The decisions seem strange, but as coaches we work with the players every day and we know what we can ask for. I haven't ruled anything out: football changes from one day to the next and you have to be ready for anything. Look at Napoli, they don't really play a 4-3-3, take a good look at them..."
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Ranieri then addressed criticism of the team's mentality, often accused of not having a winning one. It's hard for me to say right now. The players have quality, but when you start losing, you enter a negative spiral. I have to work to restore confidence, within them and among them. Consecutive results are crucial to rebuilding that feeling. The team needs support, both from me and from the fans, who are the soul of a team. Football is simple: convincing performances inspire the fans, and they, with their passion, are the fuel of the team.
About dovbykRanieri reassured us about the centre forward's condition: "He's fine, he has no problems. I told the team that he's a striker who prefers playing deep rather than with his back to the goal." The issue of Lorenzo Pellegrini, at the centre of criticism in recent weeks, is more delicate. "He has to know how to react. The most beautiful thing, when you fall, is seeing how you get back up, with such desire and determination. He's Roman, but more introverted than you might expect. He suffers inside, but I'm sure he'll overcome it."
Finally, on the definition of “Harry Potter” attributed to him by the fans, Ranieri responded with his usual humility: I thank the fans for their faith, but it doesn't take a magician. We need a normal person to instill confidence in the team. Pressure is part of the job, and I've always accepted it. We must work together—the club, the team, and the fans—to solve the problems. It won't heal overnight, but with progressive, united, and cohesive steps, I'm sure we'll get there.
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