On Saturday, Napoli will host Juventus in the weekend’s biggest fixture. Speaking ahead of the top clash, Bianconeri manager Andrea Pirlo gave some updates on the physical conditions of some of his players in his pre-match press conference on Friday, while also reserving words of compassion for his friend Gennaro Gattuso whose position in Naples is currently at risk after a series of negative results.
” Similarly to the Italian Super Cup encounter, this match will be important for everyone. This fixture is always a great show, and I’m expecting to see some tension, as the stakes will be high.
” Arthur has this calcification that will have to be monitored on a daily basis. The pain is bothering him, and thus his condition needs to be assessed over time,” said the Juventus tactician as reported by Calciomercato.com.
” Dybala’s condition will also be evaluated, the pain in his knee persists, so it will depend on how he feels tomorrow.
” As for Bonucci, yes, he will train with us, he’s a bit tired and we’ll see if we can bring him with us in the trip to Naples. The Same goes for Ramsey. ”
” McKennie is doing well, he wasn’t at his 100% the other night either, as he had a problem with his hip, but it’s nothing serious. We have to evaluate the strength of those who have been playing regularly in the recent weeks.” added the former Milan midfielder.
” Morata is feeling better. He has recovered from the flu. He can start from the beginning or make a second half appearance. We don’t have many options at this point.”
Concerning the Scudetto race and his former teammate Gattuso, here’s what Pirlo had to say.
” We’re focusing on ourselves and on the teams who are ahead of us. Our aim for tomorrow is to win all three points, and not eliminating Napoli from the Scudetto race.
” Risking the sacking is a part of our job as managers, it can always happen. But we must only focus on doing our best, as all the matches are important. I’m sorry for (Rino) Gattuso’s situation, but I have enough problems of my own to worry about,” Concluded Pirlo.