New Watford manager Claudio Ranieri has returned to the environs where he shocked the world in 2015/16 by grabbing the Premier League title with Leicester City.
The former Sampdoria trainer has backed Roma’s Jose Mourinho, with who he has a positive relationship, to succeed at the Stadio Olimpico. At the same time, he believes Napoli will go far this season under Luciano Spalletti.
Speaking to the microphones of Radio Rai (via Corriere dello Sport), the master tactician commented: “I think Mourinho is a great coach and a great motivator, I wish him all the best. I think he’s doing well.”
He also drew comparisons between the two coaches who head Italy’s most fierce rivalry in the Derby della Capitale – Mourinho and Maurizio Sarri.
“There will certainly be good competition between Lazio and Roma, because there is a technician named Sarri on the other side,” he said.
Ranieri was incharge of Napoli 20 years ago, from May 1991 to November 2022 – an underwhelming stint that culminated with his move to Fiorentina. He believes the Partenopei are led by an excellent coach in Luciano Spalletti.
He explained: “They must continue like this, because they have an excellent coach, excellent players and a wonderful environment. It is important that there is enthusiasm and that, at the first setback, they do not get discouraged”
Napoli lead the Serie A charts with a 100% win record after 7 games, and are being trailed closely by Milan and Inter, who are two and four points behind them respectively.