Cataldi Highlights Desire to “Become an Important Player for Lazio” Ahead of Match vs Napoli | OneFootball

I had the chance to see Jorginho in the national team but to make comparisons is risky because I’ve been playing this role with Sarri for too little time. I’m working with the staff to understand where to improve, it’s a difficult role and the coach asks a lot from me.

I remember very well from my debut in 2015 against Napoli at the Olimpico, many years have passed and many things have happened. Let’s think about the present, let’s go to Napoli and play our game and see how it goes.

I think the team had two good games, even against Juve where there were moments that directed the match towards the Bianconeri. On Thursday we played a very good game, playing in Europe is always complicated, winning 0-3 and passing the round was a very good thing. Let’s continue in this way.

For Immobile beyond the numbers I can say that he is a player who brings enthusiasm, he is our captain. Even the other teams when they play against Ciro are more on alert, for us he is positive and is a fundamental element.

The match with Napoli has an important weight, it’s a tough game, they are the best team along with AC Milan. We are in a moment of growth, but I think we are still at 50-60% of our level. We want to take one more step.

As far as the draw for Italy is concerned, I am of the opinion that we have to play Macedonia first before Portugal. With regards to the time available, the issue is complicated. When we talk about calendars it is always problematic. We play every three days, let’s see if something will work out over time.

In these years I have always had a goal, which is to become an important player for Lazio, not only as a team. An icon, the path has been complicated, now I’m reaping some fruits but it’s still nothing. My goal is always the next match, I can’t think too much about the future. I work daily and I think game by game.

I’m trying to improve in all aspects. I’m watching videos after games to understand the various situations and then everything changes depending on the opponent. I have something less in the defensive phase and that’s where I have to improve.

For the game seven years ago in Napoli it was a game full of emotions, it was inside-out. After I came back from my experiences I can say I haven’t changed much. I have always given everything, it is clear that playing more you gain more confidence than training. With consistency comes a better chemistry with your teammates, this helps you. I have to continue like this and I hope I can do it.

Pioli was the coach who gave me my debut, he is like a father to me. He believed in me after Crotone in Serie D. He was an important starting point for me. I am sorry I didn’t give him my all the second year but unfortunately I had some problems off the field. On Inzaghi, he is a coach who makes you feel good, he always finds a way to be positive, he is competent. He gives you that extra something. Regarding Sarri, he is one of the best coaches at an international level, it is stimulating to play for him. He demands a lot, but if he is followed the results can be important.

Like me, the team thinks game by game. After changing coaches, ideas are messed up. We have to focus on the present, one game can make you change anything. Now we think about Napoli.

There is no secret in playing with Milinkovic-Savic and Luis Alberto, certainly there is availability on our part. In the non-possession phase Sarri wants us to recover the ball quickly, so you have to be tight, it’s physically demanding. We want to take an extra step, understand the timing of the pressure to recover the ball.

There wasn’t a precise moment, I trained in another role, then we tried in front of the defence and it went well. I don’t feel like a fundamental starter for the team, if I play it’s because the coach thinks I can be useful. There is always positive competition between me, Lucas and Gonzalo.

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