Spalletti confirms Simeone will replace Osimhen against Milan
Luciano Spalletti has confirmed that Giovanni Simeone will replace the injured Victor Osimhen in the upcoming match against Milan
Spelletti stated that Napoli's tactics and approach to the game will remain the same. He emphasized that this is a crucial match where anything could happen, and the points at stake are worth more than just three.
Over the next three weeks, the two teams will play against each other three times, with both legs of the Champions League quarter-final taking place on April 12 and 18. However,
Osimhen's return from international duty has been hampered by a muscular injury that is likely to sideline him for two weeks, which could affect his availability for at least the first leg.
“Obviously, Osimhen’s absence does weigh on us, there’s no point beating around the bush,” s
aid Spalletti in his press conference.
“However, when Victor has been out this season, the team was able to get by pretty well. Everyone gives something more and the difference is also made by players like Cholito Simeone, who knows what he’s doing, knows you have to play with the head as well as the feet in this sport.
“When someone is intelligent, he can achieve important results even with only small chunks on the field. Cholito isn’t as quick as Osimhen, but he is very good in the air and at keeping the ball up with his back to goal, dialoguing with his teammates. He deserved more, the only reason he hasn’t played more is because Osimhen’s ahead of him.”
's impressive record shows remarkable consistency as they have managed to win all seven competitive matches played this season even without Osimhen.
“This is a squad that can substitute any individual and the players have proved that every time we needed them to step up. This is a match where anything could happen and the points are worth double, as we are against the reigning champions of Italy who just knocked Tottenham out of the Champions League.
“Milan can defend and then counter with two or three players at remarkable speed with a well-placed vertical pass, even from their goalkeeper. Their pressing game forces you to play the ball quicker.”
It is an unusual coincidence that Milan and Napoli will meet three times in the next three weeks, playing in two different competitions.
“I am curious to see if this match will affect the next two in the Champions League, but I do think the spotlight of Europe changes your outfit and everyone can find a little extra.
“From what the medical staff tell me, I’m fairly certain Osimhen will be available for the quarter-finals.”
There have been several rumors that Napoli are in talks to renew Spalletti's contract following his record-breaking campaign.
“The club has the option to extend, so there’s no point talking about it here. I am only interested in Napoli and the results of this team, so I hope the players will do the same. You are all trying to distract us with contract talk, but it is all so banal compared to what we want to achieve.”
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