Napoli's players have been put on notice by angry president Aurelio De Laurentiis and could have their holidays sensationally scrapped.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has threatened to cancel off-season holidays for players after they bowed out of the Coppa Italia.
Defending champions Napoli suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Lazio on Wednesday, a result that saw them lose the semi-final 2-1 on aggregate.
The hosts had a series of chances but were profligate in attack and were later made to pay when Senad Lulic came off the bench to net a 79th-minute winner.
But while Napoli coach Rafael Benitez bemoaned his side's bad luck, De Laurentiis was far more forthright.
In his hard-hitting rant, he said the players were playing in a manner that was not befitting of Napoli and that change was required - potentially in a 'training retreat' at the end of the campaign.
"We have a commitment with the fans, who are quite right to be unhappy," De Laurentiis told SportItalia.
"From today until the end of the season - if we don't change course and the players are incapable of honouring the jersey on their back, then they are going into a training retreat.
"I hope all of this will serve as a turning point to spark some pride.
"We have put in some squalid performances that are unworthy of Napoli.
"From today, we change…we need a training session for the mind, more respect for the fans, the club, the coach and for themselves."
When pressed how long his training camp would run for, De Laurentiis said it was "undetermined".
Latest Stories
-
We’re still shocked by the results of the parliamentary elections – Justin Kodua
19 minutes -
Hypertension, diabetes, alcohol consumption among silent killer diseases in Ghana – Report
39 minutes -
I’ll marry again – Joyce Blessing opens up on her dating life
51 minutes -
Illness, mental health, other factors fuel worker absenteeism in Ghana – Report
1 hour -
Boycott any invitation from ORAL team – Minority to former gov’t officials
1 hour -
NDC’s Chief Kwamigah congratulates Volta regional minister-designate
2 hours -
Culture Forum writes to Mahama ahead of culture minister appointment
2 hours -
Agribusiness consultant advocates for transformative plan to boost Ghana’s food security and economic growth
2 hours -
Mechanic jailed 10 years jail for robbing student
2 hours -
Prof. Maxwell Darko Asante appointed Director of CSIR-Crops Research Institute
2 hours -
Taskforce arrests 5 suspected illegal miners at Wenchi-Atuna
2 hours -
No serious gov’t will entertain ORAL – Minority
2 hours -
Ashanti Region recorded 1,172 fire cases in 2024
2 hours -
Obed Psych and Lamisi unite on new single ‘Together Forever’
2 hours -
Kantamanto fire: Sprinter Benjamin Azamati donates GH¢10k to victims
2 hours