Ahead of the Giallorossi’s significant match against Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow evening, Roma boss Mourinho previewed the fixture in a press conference.
As it stands, the capital club currently sit in fourth place with a total of 22 points, only four points behind I Partenopei. With a major opportunity within their grasp to consume ground and possibly put Napoli’s unbeaten run to an end, the Portuguese tactician hopes that his side can maintain their fine run of form, as they are currently on a three-game winning streak.
As relayed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the “Special One” provided his insight on the Derby del Sol:
“After so many games in a row, we had a week to finally get some work done in training It is a general opinion that Napoli are the favourites, but at times the side that is the favourite also loses. We have the right to play our game.
“Spalletti knows that he could lose and that is not a bluff. He also knows his team is at the top of the table and in great shape, but that it won’t be easy. We both know it’s going to be a difficult match.
“If you look at the statistics for goals scored, yes, but not the chances created. We are the eighth best strike force in Serie A not because we are defensive, but because we make too many mistakes in front of goal. It can also be a matter of luck, as sometimes the ball goes in off your knee, your shoulder, your butt!
“We had 20 attempts on goal against Atalanta and then lost to a side that had only one shot. Napoli scored many goals, defend well and we’ll try to see what we can achieve.”
In addition, the gaffer touched upon Italian international Nicolo Zaniolo as his form his far from his best, as well as the fact that the rising star picked up a red card within the Europa League against Spanish outfits Real Betis:
“Zaniolo is in a moment of his career where he needs to grow, improve and understand the sport. When you are more attacking, you are usually also more instinctive, but in midfield it is also necessary to consider and evaluate the situation around you, not run so many risks.