Napoli coach Rafa Benitez has stated that the Azzurri are aiming to retain the Coppa Italia title as they prepare to battle Udinese on Thursday for a place in the quarter finals.
The Partenopei host the Zebrette with the winner advancing to face either Inter or Sampdoria on the road to bag Napoli’s sixth Coppa Italia title and the third trophy in the Spaniard’s time in the shadow of the Vesuvius.
“We are the trophy holders and want to perform at our best. It’s also important that we use our entire squad and those who have not played much will do so because it’ll be important to what we do in the league,” Benitez told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
New signing Manolo Gabbiadini is likely to make his first start since being purchased for €13 million to fill the gap left in Napoli’s squad when Lorenzo Insigne suffered a knee injury that is likely to keep him sidelined through April.
“[Gabbiadini] can start without a problem as he’s trained well,” Benitez said.
Napoli will be without the services of Raul Albiol and Gokhan Inler due to suspension and left back Faouzi Ghoulam who is starring for Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Inler is an important player and a great professional,” Benitez said regarding rumors of the Swiss international’s potential departure due to a lack of playing time.
“I and [sporting director] Riccardo Bigon know Inler’s value and that he’s a fundamental player for our squad.”
