De Rossi admiration for ‘world class’ coach Conte ahead of Genoa-Napoli

Daniele De Rossi hails ‘world class’ Antonio Conte as Genoa prepare to face Napoli this weekend. ‘He gives you the most important things a player can get from his coach.’

It kicks off at Marassi on Saturday at 17.00 GMT (18.00 CET).

The Grifone are fresh off a chaotic 3-2 defeat to Lazio, which saw three penalties awarded.

That result ended what had been a very positive streak of two wins and three draws in Serie A, dragging them away from the bottom three.

“When Napoli have all the players at their disposal, I think they are the best or second best squad in Serie A, with the most successful coach of recent years in Italy,” said De Rossi in his press conference.

“They had a moment of disappointment at Champions League elimination, but then got right back on their feet. If we think that we’re going to face a downhearted team, we’ve got the worst coach in the world for that, because Conte knows how to motivate them and find the right words.

“Napoli are missing a lot of players that affects squad rotation, but if we look at their starting XI, it’s still incredible. They know how to play football in a very energetic way, so we must be ready.

“We cannot be surprised by Scott McTominay’s run forward, a long ball for Rasmus Hojlund, or a mazy run by Leonardo Spinazzola. We’re on our home turf, so anything can happen with energy, ambition, hunger and focus.”

De Rossi did not hold back on his admiration for serial Scudetto winner Conte, who he worked with as Italy coach.

“He gives you the most important things a player can get from his coach. He gives you courage and knowledge. For example, there wasn’t a single time he didn’t explain to us the mechanism of a movement.

“I said once it was tough to be coached by Conte, but wonderful at the same time. He is tough, but he treats you like a great player.

“I also think he puts his players in great physical shape. He is a complete coach, world class, winning in Italy and abroad. If I was a Serie A President, his name would be the first I’d think of to lead my team.”

Genoa were active on the January transfer market, bringing in 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder Amorim, Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, Tommaso Baldanzi from Roma, and more.

“I am satisfied above all at not losing any of the big players, plus bringing in quality figures with the characteristics I had asked for,” said De Rossi.

“Amorim can play as a mezz’ala as well as a playmaker. Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Jeff Ekhator had a lot of rumours around them in January, but they were always concentrated and gave their all.

“Ruslan Malinovskyi was always an attacking player, but in my view he’s changing and becoming more of a total midfielder now.”