Simeone: ‘Attitude matters more than Napoli tactics’ | OneFootball

Giovanni Simeone believes the tactical change is only one reason why Napoli beat Fiorentina in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final. ‘What really matters is the attitude.’

The Partenopei have struggled so far this season, but seemed to flourish after Walter Mazzarri changed them from the 4-3-3 formation that won the Scudetto under Luciano Spalletti to the 3-4-3 system.

Simeone opened the scoring by running on to a Juan Jesus cross-field pass after good work from Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, then Jonathan Ikone ballooned a penalty into the night sky of Riyadh.

Napoli added another two late goals from substitute Alessio Zerbin to round out the 3-0 scoreline.

“It’s a great signal. We were solid, we suffered under pressure, Fiorentina did well in so many respects, but we found solutions when they were moving the ball around and closed the spaces,” Simeone told Mediaset.

Considering the reaction to this switch, does it represent a crossroads for Napoli’s campaign and will they keep going with a three-man defence?

“I don’t know if this is a turning point. Aside from the tactics and the formation, what really matters is the attitude we showed today. This is a team with heart and soul, we must continue with this spirit,” assured Cholito.

The son of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone knows he is not first choice at Napoli, given the opportunity today because Victor Osimhen is at the Africa Cup of Nations, but will always see himself as a team player.

“I always try to show my teammates that we must never give up. When football careers come to an end, you look back and remember what you did. I prefer to look back even at training sessions and to know I gave something to my teammates and to myself.”

Napoli will now play against either Inter or Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana Final in Riyadh on Monday evening.