Napoli boss Rafa Benitez believes a win over Inter at the San Siro can help his team’s confidence grow as the Azzurri look to continue their current winning streak after a rocky start to the season.
The Partenopei have secured victories in their past three games in all competitions ahead of their upcoming meeting with the Nerazzurri and the tactician admits that he’s only concentrating on one game at a time as he prepares his squad to take on a determined Biscione side in Milan on Sunday.
Benitez spoke during his pre-match press conference on Saturday about the challenge Napoli be up against in their game with Inter, while also commenting on the Neapolitan side’s future and the condition of his players.
“I think of just one game at a time, I don’t have targets for the end of the season like the Scudetto,” said the 54-year-old, who had a short stint as Inter boss in 2010.
“If we keep winning, then it will be easier to win the next one. I do not have first, second or third objectives, but only to win the next game that we play.
“We’ve won three in a row, there is confidence and a proper mentality, but we want to prove ourselves against an Inter side that’s looking to do the same.
“I’ve spoken to [Napoli president] Aurelio De Laurentiis about the group’s work these days. We’ve also talked about the future but there are still 15 games until January, so we haven’t set exact dates to discuss anything. It’s better to focus on these games.
“Inter are among the best teams in the Serie A and they are one of the favourites to make it to a top place in the standings. Walter Mazzarri has helped build the club with his ideas, the quality of the coach and the squad is not disputed.
“When the results are not too good, there are problems and worries. Inter are strong and so is Mazzarri, they will be able to make it to the top of the league.
“Inter will be playing at home, with the fans on their side. I know them well and they’ll be expecting their team to win. We still must try to win on the road and the pressure is undeniable.
“Players like Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi can make a difference and cause problems, but we hope to close them down.
“I have almost all of the squad available to me, Gokhan Inler is fine. I’m sorry that we’re missing Walter Gargano, who turned down a call up from Uruguay to stay with us and got injured, but our players will do their best to win for him.
“I expect Marek Hamsik, along with all of the other players, to take control of the game. We know what to do, players like him and Gonzalo Higuain know what should be done.
“I still have many friends and contacts in Milan, but for me this is still a game against one of our rivals.
“Now there are seven games in 21 days that can change everything. We have confidence in ourselves and winning against Inter will help this grow.”
