UCL: Napoli coach Spalletti sings for joy after team’s victory over Rangers

Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti was delighted with their 3-0 Champions League defeat of Rangers.

Giovanni Simeone scored an early brace and Leo Ostigard also struck from a corner.

“Many of these players have been used fairly regularly,” Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia.

“The extraordinary thing is when you don’t use a player for two games in a row, he gets a bit irritated and can lose a bit of sharpness for the match, but this lot don’t do that! They really trained like top players, relishing in the talent of their teammates and confirming they want to fight for their place.

“Seeing Raspadori and Politano track back to help the defence and stop counter-attacks, those were important signals. It’s not just about scoring goals, but getting the team out of trouble too. Being gladiators even when you don’t have the physique for it.

“The first half was wonderful, the ball was moving around so smoothly, everyone was looking for the space to play in and Simeone almost didn’t have a role he was so mobile. It becomes very difficult in those circumstances for the opponents to organise themselves.

“I don’t even need to tell the players in training to do it with maximum two touches, as they know already that moving the ball quickly is essential. The match is a reflection of how you train during the week.”