Napoli defender Giovanni Di Lorenzo believes it will be different against Milan in the Champions League, despite their recent 4-0 loss to the reigning Scudetto holders. The Partenopei were soundly beaten 4-0 by Milan at the Stadio Maradona just over a week ago and will face off once again, this time in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Speaking (as quoted by TuttoNapoli) in the pre-match press conference, Di Lorenzo explained why he and his teammates are approaching the game differently this time but not dwelling on the absence of teammate Victor Osimhen:
“The 4-0 defeat to Milan? We also talked about it a lot, we analyzed it but what happens tomorrow night is what counts. We prepared well, the win in Lecce helped with morale. We are ready!”
“Leao? A strong, quality player but we will have to watch out for the whole team. We should try to limit him as much as possible to try to get a good result.”
“Fears after the 4-0? Zero fear, in the league we were not the usual Napoli. Tomorrow will be a different game and we will face it in the right way.”
“Osimhen’s abesence? We know he is very strong and is very important for us. But there’s not only him, he will not be there and we will face this match with the players we have.”
“When we defenders add a few goals it is important for the team. We unlocked it in Lecce from a spot kick. Details make the difference, we will try to exploit our qualities on set pieces.”
“We were not the usual team in the league, we did not put the usual qualities on the pitch. Tomorrow will be different, we know the importance of this match.”
“Advice to Raspadori? None, he has experience, he won the EURO’s. He has great quality, he has been slowed down by some injuries but if he plays he will prove his worth.”
“If we look at the season we’ve had, it seems obvious to be here in this position. I say enjoy these two games, of course with the right tension. We have to play with enthusiasm, be carefree. Things that we lacked in the championship game. But this time it will be different, we will be a different team.”
“What does the game represent for me? Very important, but not only for me, but also for the club and the fans. Let’s enjoy this moment, we have prepared in the right way and we are ready for tomorrow night.”
“Theo Hernandez? We are two different players, he is also doing very well and I have great respect for him. He. like Leao. is also an important weapon for Milan, we should be good at containing them.”
“My best year? I think I played well the other years as well. With the team doing better it’s easier to talk about it. I come to these games with the right awareness, I am in the best moment of my career. That’s why I say we have to enjoy these games because playing a quarter-final of the Champions might not happen again.”
“Victor did everything to be there, he wished us good luck. It was useless to risk him and then lose him for other games. But the other absentees who are not on the Champions LEague list also deserve to be with us. I have not prepared any speech to the team, it is a focused group that knows the importance of this match. We will all be charged up for this match.”