Napoli style of play is ‘anti-italian’ – Oliver Glasner

Napoli will be aggressive and counter-press with “high intensity” in their Champions League last-16 first leg encounter with Eintracht Frankfurt, coach Oliver Glasner said on Monday.

The Italian league leaders are currently 15-points clear at the top of the Serie A standings and won its pot by winning 5 of 6 games in the Champions League group stage to top the group ahead of Liverpool.

Luciano Spalletti‘s men were also the highest scorers in the group phase with 20 goals.

“I think Napoli plays an anti-Italian style of play.” Oliver Glasner said in his presser for the game.

“That is one of the reasons they are far ahead in Italy. They have by far the highest intensity in their game, they play with so much aggression against the ball, high pressing at incredible intensity, which is something you don’t see a lot in Italy.

“They defend with their center backs, Kim and Ramani with so much aggression and going forward they mount so much pressure and that is a little bit different from many teams in Italy.” he noted.

However, Glasner added that his team are ready to face whatever Napoli throws at them.

“Napoli has a different style of play but we are prepared for that and we know that without intensity we would not do well in this game.”

Frankfurt midfielder Mario Gotze echoed in his manager’s words and also has high praise for Napoli hot duo of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

“One can see the performance they both[Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia] deliver especially at this time of the year and that says a lot about their quality and their character as well.

“To deliver that level of football every week these are the characteristics that you must have as an athlete and for someone who wants to win the title.

“There is a lot to see at the same time. I look forward to this game and to measure myself against these players and I would like to say they have a big chance of winning the league title”.