Napoli

Marino Delighted With Maradona Debut

Napoli sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has declared that watching Diego Armando Maradona on the Argentina bench gave him goose bumps.

Nov 20, 2008 10:32:29 AM

Maradona barks instructions at his players during the friendly against Scotland. El Diego made a winning debut as his side won 0-1 (Mexsport)

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The former Udinese executive was part of the Azzurri side that claimed their first ever Scudetto in the 1986-1987 season, primarily due to Diego’s contribution.

And he has admitted that it was a joy to watch the Vesuviani legend leading his beloved national team in the friendly tie with Scotland last night.

“It truly gave me goose bumps,” enthused the 54-year-old on Sport Italia. “It’s a nice feeling to see him there after all he went through.

“We are all on cloud nine, because Diego has always felt like Argentina’s paladin. It’s the realization of a dream for him and we are 100 per cent behind him.

“I hope he will stay on the Albiceleste bench for a long time: I was in their dressing room when they won the 1986 World Cup and I can tell you that the national team are seriously something special for him.”

During the encounter, the Partenopei transfer guru also took the chance to admire some faces that could strengthen Edy Reja’s ranks in the future.

“I have been impressed by Emiliano Papa of Lanus,” he confessed, “I have been following some of their games lately and this lad has considerably improved.”

The 26-year-old left-back made his international debut last night and could easily adapt to Reja’s tactics, as he plays in a similar 3-5-2 formation at Lanus.

Vince Masiello