Napoli defender Natan ‘disappointed’ by Serie A title fight, colleague says | OneFootball

Napoli defender Natan has been left disappointed by the Partenopei’s challenge, or lack thereof, for the Serie A title in 2023-24, as he had expected to join a team ready to win another Scudetto this season according to his Italian language teacher, Bruno Di Santo.

Natan’s teacher spoke to Radio CRC on Tuesday, during which he spoke about the Brazilian’s improvement in the Italian language, his title ambitions and his recovery from injury.

Di Santo explained that Natan has settled to life in Naples well, having joined from Red Bull Bragantino in his native Brazil in the summer, but that he had expected to be higher up the Serie A rankings by this stage in the season.

When asked about the multiple changes to the Napoli coaching staff this season and how it has impacted Natan, Di Santo said (via Calciomercato.com): “ There is a difference in tactics (between Brazil and Italy), but in my opinion, not so much in the technical part.

“He is training, he wants to learn, he is good at listening to what the coaches have to say. Mentally, he is very strong. He is already used to playing in full stadiums with lots of pressure. The only thing is that they have to get to know him, give him opportunities so that he can play.

“He is disappointed because he expected to win the Scudetto. Lots more was expected, but that’s how it goes in football.”

On Natan’s shoulder injury over the winter period, Di Santo said: “He got injured when he was doing well, then had to stop for a month. He’s doing okay now. When he returned to fitness, naturally there were other players playing in his position. He understands that he has to respect these sorts of choices.”

Di Santo also provided an update on Natan’s ability in the Italian language.

“He understands everything, it’s no longer a problem. He still has to practice speaking, it’s not easy, but he feels good at the moment.

“I think he’s one of the few examples of Brazilian players who come to Italy and give their first press conference in Italian. We also study the language through Neapolitan songs, films and things like that to make sure he has an understanding with the supporters as well.

“The most important thing is bringing Natan to a level where he, the fans and the coaches can all understand each other.”