[D-Kin]

Contini’s keen on Coppa Monday 17 December, 2007

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Napoli face Lazio in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday evening and midfielder Matteo Contini expects dedication from his teammates.

The Vesuviani erased memories of a 5-1 demolition at Atalanta with a 1-1 draw against Siena and could have taken all three points.

“We have regained our composure and we are showing character and determination,” former Parma man Contini enthused.

“After yesterday’s battle we can safely say that the dark day in Bergamo is in the past and can be forgotten.

“We played very well and the boss did a great job in preparing us for the game. We are really satisfied with the mentality we are displaying on the pitch.”

While many sides have struggled to find motivation for the Coppa Italia, Contini insists that Napoli see it as an important objective.

“We want to go further in the Coppa Italia,” he insisted. “It will be two tough legs because Lazio are amongst the most competitive sides in the championship.

“But we want to go through so much so that we can take on the best sides in a competition that is fascinating, especially for us newly promoted teams

“On Wednesday we will be on form and focused to not give anything away ahead of the second leg.”

Contini has won plaudits since arriving from the Ducali in the summer, but he concluded by claiming that team spirit is the key at the Stadio San Paolo.

“It’s nice to be getting praise, even if people at Napoli have always shown their faith in me,” he said.

“What matters to me most of all is the way that the side performs – individuals only count to a certain extent. The team is all about having everyone making sacrifices and pulling their weight.”

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