MX23RW : Wednesday, April 3 10:13:14| >> :600:314282:314282:
Mar 31, 2019 at 2pm UK at ​Stadio Olimpico (Roma)
Attendance: 36,525
Roma
1-4
Napoli
Perotti (45' pen.)
FT(HT: 1-1)
Milik (2'), Mertens (50'), Verdi (55'), Younes (81')

Carlo Ancelotti: 'Napoli focussed on league rather than Arsenal'

Ancelotti: 'Napoli focussed on league rather than Arsenal'
© Reuters
Napoli face the Gunners in the Europa League next month but first must tackle Roma.

Carlo Ancelotti insists it is far too soon to think about Arsenal as he prepares his Napoli side for Sunday's Serie A trip to Roma.

Napoli face the Gunners in the Europa League quarter-finals next month.

That competition is now Napoli's only realistic hope of silverware this season as they trail Serie A leaders Juventus by 15 points.

But Ancelotti does not want to see his team's grip on second place loosened and is wary of a Roma side pushing for Champions League qualification.

Ancelotti told reporters at his pre-match press conference: "Going with the thought of the London game would be crazy. Let's think about tomorrow's match and face Roma with the right attitude.

"From Roma, I expect a big game. They are under a lot of pressure these days and this will lead the players to be motivated and eager to give their best. We must play with courage and intensity."

Ancelotti, the veteran former boss of AC Milan, Juventus, Chelsea, Paris St Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, is also a revered figure at Roma following his successful playing career.

The game marks his first return to the Stadio Olimpico as an opposition manager since he left Milan in 2009.

The 59-year-old said: "They represent something special for my career, I was there for eight years. That period there remains in my heart."

Napoli, who have a seven-point cushion over third-placed Inter Milan, will be without striker Lorenzo Insigne due to a muscle problem but he could return for the midweek trip to Empoli.

Ancelotti will come up against another experienced campaigner in Claudio Ranieri, the former Fulham manager who took caretaker charge of Roma earlier this month.

The 67-year-old's aim is to secure a top-four spot. His side are currently fifth with a four-point gap to make up on AC Milan.

Ranieri is demanding a response after criticising the team following their loss to SPAL last time out.

Ranieri said on the club's website, www.asroma.com: "If I used strong words, it's because I expect a strong reaction from the team.

"As a coach, you always do things for a reason. What I expect from the Roma players, who are very good players, is a big show of character.

"I believe this team has the potential to fight for a place in the Champions League. There are sides above us who are going strong but I hope my players can respond to any adversity."


Click here for more stories about Carlo Ancelotti

Click here for more stories about Napoli

Share this article now:
Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren celebrates scoring against Newcastle United on December 26, 2018
Read Next:
Italian trio interested in Dejan Lovren?
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Premier League
Scottish Premiership
La Liga
Serie A
Coupe de France
Ligue 1
DFB-Pokal
Eredivisie
Taca de Portugal
Belgian Pro League
League One
Serie B
Copa Libertadores
Copa Sudamericana
Swiss Super League
Russian Premier League
Ukrainian Premier League
Welsh Premier League
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool32247172195379
2Manchester CityMan City31252481216077
3Arsenal31196665392663
4Tottenham HotspurSpurs312011058342461
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd32187761431861
6Chelsea31186752341860
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves32138114039147
8Watford32137124747046
9Leicester CityLeicester32135144243-144
10Everton32127134542343
11West Ham UnitedWest Ham32126144148-742
12Bournemouth32115164358-1538
13Crystal Palace31106153841-336
14Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3298153142-1135
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton3096153243-1133
16Southampton3189143550-1533
17Burnley3296173759-2233
18Cardiff CityCardiff3184192859-3128
RFulham3345243076-4617
RHuddersfield TownHuddersfield3235241859-4114

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account