Lobotka on why Roma game could be ‘perfect’ for Napoli

Stanislav Lobotka feels Napoli’s new 3-4-3 system is ideal for wingers and defenders and insists Sunday’s game against Roma could be the ‘perfect’ occasion to confirm the Partenopei’s improvements.

Napoli have collected two consecutive victories after the international break, against Atalanta in Serie A and Qarabag in the Champions League.

The Partenopei boss, Antonio Conte, had been very critical of the team after a 2-0 loss against Bologna at the beginning of November, but the last two victories have boosted the team and the coach’s morale.

“It wasn’t an easy moment before the break, but we believe in ourselves, in our playing style, and we are working hard,” Lobotka told Radio CRC via CalcioNapoli1926.

Conte switched to a three-man defence in the last two games, mostly due to an ongoing injury crisis in the middle of the park, where Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour and Frank Anguissa will remain out of action for months.

“We know we play well and that our playing style is tricky for other teams. We are playing differently from the start of the season. It’s a different work, especially for the wingers who have more freedom to express their quality,” said Lobotka.

“Neres, Lang and Hojlund are very good in one-on-one situations. This system is also good for defenders. Perhaps we are more compact when we play with a back three. We are defending really well, and I think we have to keep it up.”

Tomorrow, the Partenopei visit table leaders Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

“Roma are the table leaders, so they are an excellent team. They play good football, perhaps similar to ours,” said the Napoli midfielder.

“They have good players and we know how difficult it is to play against Gian Piero Gasperini’s teams. But we also know we have what it takes in terms of quality to beat Roma. I think it’s a perfect game to show how much we are improving, trying to beat the table leaders.

“They’ll try to keep the ball; they are physically strong and very aggressive, so it won’t be easy. But these sorts of games are determined by details. We have to prepare everything really well, and hopefully we’ll take the three points home.”

Napoli sit second in the Serie A table, level on 25 points with Milan and two below leaders Roma.