Manna: ‘Napoli fans will be proud, regardless of the result’ against Inter | OneFootball

Napoli director Giovanni Manna insists there is no pressure on them for the Scudetto showdown with Inter. ‘We want our fans to be proud today, regardless of the result.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s three Serie A games on the Liveblog.

The Partenopei lost top spot last week after a disappointing run of three consecutive draws and a defeat to Como, so this is a huge opportunity to recapture the leadership on home turf.

Manna proud of ‘incredible’ Napoli journey

Napoli director Giovanni Manna and coach Antonio Conte

“It is an interesting game, let’s say. Two great teams at a moment of the season that is almost decisive. There is a psychological aspect to be considered, we’ve had an incredible journey so far and deserve to be here, so we hope to make our fans proud today,” Manna told DAZN.

“It has been a normal week, we prepared like for every game, with intensity and intelligence. We know that we are up against a strong team, but if we are one point behind them, it means we’ve had a great season. We want our fans to be proud of Napoli today, regardless of the result, because we started a long way back and have laid some solid foundations.”

Both sides are missing key players, as Andrea Frank Zambo Anguissa, David Neres and Pasquale Mazzocchi are out for the hosts, while the Nerazzurri are without Yann Sommer, Matteo Darmian, Carlos Augusto and Nicola Zalewski.

“We want to see great determination, organisation and heart. Every victory has been hard-earned with ferocity, determination and desire. That is what represents Napoli right now and what we want to see today.

“If the result is not favourable, the important thing is that we have given our all and if it does not go well, we will recognise the strength of our opponents.”