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Maradona: 'I dream of Napoli!'[/FONT]
Saturday 26 June, 2010
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Diego Armando Maradona analyses why Italy crashed out of the World Cup and reveals an ambition: “It’s my dream to be Coach of Napoli.”
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The Argentina tactician swept through to the last 16 with a 100 per cent record from his group, but the Azzurri failed to pick up a single win.
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“It’s a real shame that Italy went out, as a team like that cannot end its World Cup in the first round,” he said in a Press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Mexico.
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“You could see the Azzurri were missing something, as they didn’t play in a fluid fashion and couldn’t get the ball forward.
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“They needed someone like Francesco Totti or Alessandro Del Piero. Antonio Cassano? Yes, perhaps him too, but I don’t want to criticise Marcello Lippi.
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“Italy were solid in defence, even if that went wrong too against Slovakia, despite the fact the Italian defenders are the best in the world. The midfield was fine too, the problems were in attack.”
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Maradona was subjected to heavy criticism in Argentina, but is winning many over in South Africa.
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“I hope to be Coach of Argentina for many years, but then I would like to fulfil another ambition. It is and always has been my dream to be Coach of Napoli,” said the Stadio San Paolo hero.
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“I would love to see the San Paolo packed to the rafters again. I watch Napoli’s games on television and hate to see areas of the stands empty.
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“I lived in Italy for seven years, but being in Naples meant it felt like 14! I will always have those people in my heart.
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“I know that now Italy are out, the Neapolitans will support Argentina. This is why I adore them and, even if others may criticise, I will never speak ill of Naples.”[/FONT]