Lawyer Domenico La Marca spoke on `1 Football Club`, a radio program hosted by Luca Cerchione on 1 Station Radio. Below is an excerpt from the interview.
How do you assess Napoli`s victory against Monza?
“What mattered was getting the three points and putting pressure on Inter, but overall, Napoli struggled more than they should have against Monza. Especially in the first half, the team lacked intensity and struggled to impose their game. In the second half, the decision to bring on Raspadori was decisive, as Monza, who had risked little to nothing before the former Sassuolo player`s entry, ran into difficulties. Indeed, two quality plays from Raspadori created the chance for Politano and led to the decisive goal.”
How do you evaluate Rafa Marin`s performance?
“He delivered a good performance despite a complicated start to the match, which was somewhat predictable given that before Monza, this young player had only accumulated a handful of minutes in the league and was making his first start in a match that, although against an opponent in difficulty, held significant weight for Napoli`s fate. As the minutes passed, the Spanish center-back gained confidence and especially in the second half, he played with ease, even making some quality passes despite receiving a yellow card around the half-hour mark of the first half.”
What do you think about the league race?
“We must congratulate Bologna, who had already played a splendid match against Napoli. Against Inter, Italiano`s players` desire was rewarded, especially in the final minutes, where they weren`t content with a draw but persistently sought a victory that keeps Bologna firmly in the Champions League race. For Napoli, the point gained against Bologna back then, which might have seemed like a lost opportunity, is now fundamental for keeping pace with the top teams. Now, a new mini-season of five matches begins, where every game hides pitfalls. On paper, Napoli`s schedule seems easier, but the match against Monza already showed how complicated a game can become if you don`t break the deadlock as early as possible. We also shouldn`t forget that the `Azzurri` will have two away games against clubs, Lecce and Parma, still fighting against relegation. In this regard, it will be essential to recover important players like Neres and Buongiorno as soon as possible.”
Napoli Transfer Market, would Sudakov be the right name for the `Azzurri` midfield?
“He would be an important signing, a player whose characteristics are missing in this Napoli side. A midfielder who finds the net easily, including with long-range shots, and is skilled in the final pass. We`re talking about a 2002-born player who has already gained significant international experience with Shakhtar and the Ukrainian national team and has great potential for improvement. Not to mention that his tactical versatility would be useful to a coach like Conte.”
Is there pressure from another club behind Conte`s words?
“There is pressure, yes, but the pressure to win. His history says this. Strong words that don`t change the plans: at the end of the season, he will sit down with the president, and together they will understand if there are grounds to continue.”