De Rossi: ‘Napoli the only team in Serie A close to Inter’ | OneFootball

Roma coach Daniele De Rossi claims that Napoli are the only team in Serie A close to the level of 2023-24 Scudetto winners, Inter, but expects his defenders to have a ‘great’ duel against the Partenopei top goalscorer Victor Osimhen when the two sides meet on Sunday.

De Rossi, speaking to Sky Sport Italia on Saturday, said that Napoli were ‘unplayable’ last season and though they have endured a considerably tougher season this term, they are ‘always a tough team’ to go up against.

Napoli and Roma will meet in an important battle for Champions League football next season on Sunday evening, kicking off at 17.00 BST at the Stadio Maradona.

De Rossi full of praise for Napoli

“The biggest difficulties come with having to play so many matches in such a short space of time, there is little time to prepare for them, all while having strong opponents like Napoli, Bologna, Udinese,” the Giallorossi coach told Sky.

“All the teams we have to face are at a very high level. We will need fresh faces at times, but for the most part our players are committed. It will be difficult, but let’s not feel sorry for ourselves.

“Napoli is the only team that is close to Inter in terms of level. They were unplayable last year, this year has been a bit difficult but they are always a tough team.”

De Rossi then explained why he expected a ‘hostile’ environment when his players step out onto the Stadio Maradona pitch on Sunday .

“There is always a strong rivalry. On the day of my farewell I made a joke saying that I would miss my fans, as well as the opposing fans, like those of Napoli, because I always spoke my mind.

“Tomorrow there may be a bit of nervousness (from the fans) about the team, but they will always support them. It will be a hostile environment, but we have also gone through that in Europe many times.”

The coach also explained during his Sky interview that Evan Ndicka is set to start alongside Gianluca Mancini at centre-back, which will be the Ivorian’s first game back since he was taken ill against Udinese a fortnight ago.