Sassuolo director: 'Napoli haven't asked for Defrel'

Sassuolo director Giovanni Carnevali believes Gregoire Defrel “is ready for a big club, but Napoli have never contacted us for him.”

The two teams face off at 18.00 GMT this evening at the Stadio San Paolo and there were reports today that they’d begun negotiations.

“Defrel is more mature and ready for the step up to a big club, whereas Lorenzo Pellegrini needs more playing time and I think it’d benefit him to stay with us for another year,” Carnevali told Radio CRC.

“I have not had any direct contact with Napoli, but other clubs have asked us for Defrel. We have an excellent rapport with the Partenopei, so it would not be an issue.

“In fact, we were disappointed that we couldn’t close the deal with them for Sime Vrsaljko, because the two clubs had agreed terms, then the lad made a different decision with Atletico Madrid.”

Sassuolo have been struggling so far this season with huge injury problems, but Carnevali shrugged off the merest suggestion Coach Eusebio Di Francesco is in trouble.

“He has never been up for debate. As well as being a great Coach, one of the best, he is the real strength behind Sassuolo. He has helped everyone here mature and improve.”