Manna ‘took something to get to sleep’ ahead of Napoli Serie A title decider

Manna previews Napoli-Cagliari Serie A title decider

The gap at the top of the table going into the final round is just one point, so while the Scudetto is still in their hands, the Partenopei cannot afford to slip up here.

There is also still a scenario where there would be a play-off, but only if Inter draw and Napoli simultaneously lose, which would have them both level on points.

“Just look around the stadium and realise what is happening in this city over the last few days, weeks and months,” Napoli director Manna told DAZN ahead of kick-off. 

“We certainly did not start out as favourites, but we are one point in front now and want to go all the way. The atmosphere is incredible, we want to make our fans proud, as this team gave passion and sweat all year, we’ve got one more step to go tonight.

“I will admit that I took something to sleep last night and rather anaesthetized myself. People think it is to be taken for granted, and it absolutely is not the case. We have shown we’ve got guts and want to bring it home tonight.”

Antonio Conte will have to watch from the stands, as he sits out a touchline ban. The coach was famously unhappy with the January sale of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the lack of a suitable replacement.

“We worked well in the summer, then were a little unlucky and unprepared in January for what turned out to be a difficult situation,” added Manna.

There are growing reports that Kevin De Bruyne has chosen Napoli for his next club as a free agent after leaving Manchester City.

“He is a player that we like, but we are not the only ones. It is reductive to talk about the transfer market now ahead of a decisive match.”