Sacchi: ‘I often see myself’ in Conte and Gasperini

Former Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi admits: ‘I often see myself’ in Antonio Conte and Gian Piero Gasperini, and expects a ‘Premier League-type match’ in Roma-Napoli tomorrow.

Table leaders Roma host Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico tomorrow, and Sacchi previewed the big match of Serie A Week 13 in his column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

“More than a spectacular showdown, I expect a battle, from a technical, tactical and athletic standpoint,” wrote the ex-Milan coach.

“High tempo, man-to-man marking all over the pitch, speed of execution, and both teams trying to dominate the field. In short, a Premier League-type match.”

Napoli are just two points below the Giallorossi and have won the last two games against Atalanta in Serie A and Qarabag in the Champions League.

“I know the coaches well; they see football the same way, with high intensity, great dynamism and meticulous attention to detail,” said Sacchi.

“Maybe reality will prove me wrong; it would not be the first time, but I’m convinced the match will follow this pattern.

“Conte and Gasperini are masters in the true sense of the word. They teach, explain, correct, encourage when necessary and scold when the situation calls for it. I admit that, watching their teams, I often see myself in them.”

Most pundits saw Inter and Napoli as the title favourites at the start of the season, but Roma have surprisingly taken the lead after 12 rounds.

“Gasperini doesn’t have the strongest squad in Serie A, but in just a few months, he’s managed to transmit technical and moral values that can push the team to fight for the title,” Sacchi noted.

“Have you seen how they press? And how do the players help each other? Above all, even if the squad isn’t particularly deep, have you seen how everyone is willing to apply the coach’s ideas? This is an extraordinary achievement because it was accomplished in such a short time, and Gasperini should be proud of it.

“The Napoli squad is surely deeper, therefore more competitive than Roma from a technical standpoint. Napoli have had setbacks this season, especially in terms of injuries, but the team’s identity is clearly visible. I think the biggest risk, relaxing after a major success, has been overcome thanks to the coach’s intervention. Now it’s a matter of getting the remaining injured players back and stepping on the accelerator.”

Gasperini has won two of the previous ten meetings with Antonio Conte, but has also collected two draws and six defeats.

Last season, Gasperini’s Atalanta beat Napoli 3-0 at the Stadio Maradona and suffered a 3-2 loss in Bergamo.

Their first meeting was in Serie B and saw Gasperini’s Genoa beat Conte’s Arezzo 3-0 in the 2006-07 campaign.