Napoli director Mauro Meluso expects a ‘completely concentrated’ squad against Roma tonight, while he discusses Victor Osimhen, Eljif Elmas and Piotr Zielinski contracts.
It kicks off at the Stadio Olimpico at 19.45 GMT.
This is a showdown to stay in the hunt for European places, as the Giallorossi slipped down the standings after defeat to Bologna and the Partenopei were stunned 4-0 by Frosinone in the Coppa Italia midweek.
“As Walter Mazzarri said, we were unrecognisable in that defeat, so it can only act as motivation to do better. The team was very focused over the last few days in training and will be completely concentrated this evening,” Meluso told DAZN.
President Aurelio De Laurentiis announced this afternoon that Osimhen had put pen to paper on the new contract to June 2026.
There are mixed reports over how high the release clause is, as rumours have it anywhere from €120m to €140m.
“I will not get into the details. We are just pleased that Osimhen signed the new contract. The club made a step towards the player, who was also eager to continue his rapport with Napoli.
“He never backed down or showed a lack of effort, just like his teammates, so he made his commitment clear with action.”
Elmas is already in Germany, where he has undergone his medical ahead of a €25m transfer to RB Leipzig.
“There is an agreement, not yet signed, with RB Leipzig and he should be sold to them. We do not depend on one player, but it is all about the team who had an extraordinary run of results last season and who are giving their all to repeat that,” added Meluso.
The next issue at hand is Zielinski’s contract, as the Poland international is only tied to Napoli until the end of this season and there are reports he is already edging towards a free transfer for Inter next summer.
“Zielinski said he was happy to remain as long as we were able to reach an agreement. We are continuing to negotiate and will see what happens over the next few weeks.”
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