Napoli defender Raul Albiol says he was certain the Coppa Italia final would kick off despite the 45-minute delay due to violence before the match which occurred well outside of Roma’s Stadio Olimpico.
The altercation left three men wounded including a Napoli supporter who was in struck in the chest by a bullet and is currently in critical condition at a Rome hospital.
“We all did our best to keep our concentration in the delay before the match. We knew it would be played but we weren’t certain as to how long we’d have to wait,” the 28-year old explained to Napoli fan site, tuttonapoli.net, after the Partenopei raised their fifth Coppa Italia trophy with a 3-1 victory over Fiorentina.
“It was important to win a title and we are excited,” admitted the former Real Madrid man who has excelled in his first season in Italy and found a home and consistent playing time marshaling the Napoli backline.
The Spanish international admitted the Coppa Italia is not the team’s main focus as they look ahead to building on the success of coach Rafa Benitez’s first season at the San Paolo club.
“It’s not the ultimate [the Coppa Italia title] but it’s still a trophy and we will use it to build for next year where we hope to do even better,” Albiol admitted.
Napoli are assured a third place finish in Serie A which will earn the Azzurri a spot in the Champions League qualifiers in August with an opportunity to play in the group stage for a second consecutive season.
