Manna silent on Danilo report: ‘Disrespectful to Napoli players’ | OneFootball

Napoli director Giovanni Manna refused to discuss the reported negotiations with Juventus for Danilo, insisting it was ‘disrespectful’ to talk about transfers ahead of the Fiorentina trip.

It kicks off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi at 17.00 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Venezia-Empoli and Verona-Udinese on the Liveblog.

Considering Atalanta and Inter are in Saudi Arabia for the Supercoppa Italiana, it gives the Partenopei an opportunity to go clear at the top of the table.

Antonio Conte is forced to transform his trident attack in the absence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano, as well as defender Alessandro Buongiorno.

He has decided to advance Leonardo Spinazzola into the front three with David Neres taking his preferred role on the right.

Napoli reject transfer speculation

NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 29: Napoli team celebrate the victory after the Serie A match between Napoli and Venezia at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 29, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The first question was inevitably about the reports of advanced talks to sign Juventus veteran Danilo, potentially as a free agent, but Manna did not appreciate this approach.

“I find it disrespectful to talk about the transfer market when we are playing this evening,” Manna told DAZN.

“We are in a positive situation, the squad has done very well, so talking about other players and negotiations is unfair, it diminishes the work done by the current group and is distracting.

“Danilo is an extremely important player going through a complicated situation, but we are focused on ourselves and not thinking about the transfer market. I honestly find it unpleasant right now discussing this.”

If Napoli are top of the table at the halfway stage of the season, then reinforcements are going to seem inevitable for the Scudetto race.

“I understand the fans are interested in knowing what the negotiations might be, or eager to bring in important players. We are eager too,” insisted Napoli director of sport Manna.

“As I already said in the past, if we can improve the squad, then we will. However, it is not helpful to have the current leaders playing after incredible work and then talking about others.

“We continue to evaluate the situation and prepare to make the right decisions.”

Should the plan perhaps be to bring in players who can raise the competition level at Napoli rather than big stars?

“Competition is fundamental, it helps you work better in training. At the same time, squad rotation is more difficult because we are not in Europe, so some players are not happy with the lack of playing time,” concluded Manna.

“If we can improve the situation, then we will, otherwise we won’t do anything.”