EXCLUSIVE Walter Novellino tells CM: 'Why would Napoli part with Gabbiadini?'
Walter Novellino is a familiar face in both Naples and Turin. A former manager of the two sides who face off in just under half an hour, he is fondly remembered for taking the Partenopei back to Serie A in 2000. His time in Turin was less auspicious, as the team was eventually relegated in 2008.
We caught up with him to ask about this evening's fixture...
We caught up with him to ask about this evening's fixture...
Napoli are on the way up, Torino are going through a rough patch. Are the visitors done for?
"Torino are going through a tough time, Napoli are favourites. Then again, the first game after the break is never a foregone conclusion, teams who don't concentrate to the full can be ripe for picking. The granata are tired, and have a number of players who aren't in prime condition, but Ventura is a crafty coach who will try to make life hard for Sarri"
With Jorginho suspended, Valdifiori will be given the keys to the midfield. Is he playing for his place, and for a chance to stay?
“I've never entertained any doubts about his qualities, he deserves a little more faith. He was starting when the team was having some trouble, but since Sarri has changed formation there is no room for him, at least not in the league. Jorginho himself needed time to become the player we admired the most today. Valdifiori deserves a second chance, to say the least, and I'm sure that he can do well".
Would an eventual Gabbiadini departure from Napoli handicap the team, and harm its ambitions?
“Such a solution makes no sense to me. We're speaking of a great talent, who is still young and has yet to bloom, it is senseless to give him away now. Napoli's calendar will be chock-full after February, and a man like Gabbiadini could have a crucial impact. Then again, things could change if it is he who wants to leave...
Who should Napoli bring in?
Napoli are fine as they are, they seem to be covered both in defence and attack. Maybe something is missing in midfield, but just to give the squad a little depth. There are no great priorities. Torino, for their part, could do with a couple of additions.
Are Napoli fighting for the title?
Napoli have everything they need to fight it out till the end, but among the other pretenders to the Scudetto, I particularly fear Juventus' comeback.
