After the victory against Sassuolo, coach Stellini didn't hide the difficulties: "Playing every 72 hours isn't easy," highlighting a short squad and an unsustainable schedule that are jeopardizing the team's balance, leaving fans worried about the future.
The victory against Sassuolo gives Napoli three points, but it doesn't quell the tensions simmering beneath the surface. Cristian Stellini, on the bench in place of the suspended Antonio Conte, opts for frankness and captures a situation that goes beyond the result on the pitch. "Playing every 72 hours, when things go well, isn't easy," he explained to DAZN, pointing to a reduced squad and a schedule that leaves no room for respite.
The transfer market becomes central to the coach's remarks. Stellini clarifies that the problem isn't just quality, but a lack of alternatives. "We're short, and we'll have to discuss it with the club because we need players immediately," he emphasizes, admitting that some players aren't being used today and that, without improvements, the risk is having to draw from the Primavera. This situation is particularly burdensome in midfield and attack, where rotation is limited and the physical demands increase with each match.
The season's schedule is also under scrutiny. "Napoli is the only team to play nine games in January," Stellini said, citing their Super Cup commitments and calling the schedule "poorly constructed." A sequence of matches that, according to the coach, is unprecedented and will severely test an already stretched-to-the-bone squad.
Napoli are back with Stanislav Lobotka, and they're doing so at the most crucial moment of the season. Against Sassuolo, one goal from him was enough to get them back to winning ways and get a team back on track. "I'm finally scoring again, and I'm very happy with the win, but we can play better," says the Slovakian midfielder.
Antonio Vergara fulfilled every Neapolitan's dream by making his debut as a starter at the Maradona stadium, an experience he described as "a unique feeling," despite the fatigue he felt in the 60th minute. "I didn't expect to start; it was a surprise." Antonio Vergara is enjoying his Serie A debut for Napoli after…
The finale is a long trench war. Five minutes of injury time, evident fatigue and high tension, but Napoli holds out until the final whistle. It's not a spectacular victory, but it's one that speaks of character, sacrifice, and the ability to endure. On a night full of obstacles, the Azzurri only need a flash from Lobotka to take everything.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
Napoli did well, but the situation is truly complicated. Stellini rightly speaks of the difficulties of playing so often, but I don't know if the squad is deep enough to handle all this. It takes a bit of luck.