Carlo Ancelotti believes Paris Saint-Germain “can win the Champions League this term,” but Napoli can end those ambitions early.
It kicks off on Tuesday at 20.00 GMT and follows on from the thrilling 2-2 draw at Parc des Princes, where PSG fought back twice to scrape a point.
“It’s an important game and can be decisive for both teams,” Ancelotti told Telefoot.
Carlo Ancelotti believes Paris Saint-Germain “can win the Champions League this term,” but Napoli can end those ambitions early.
It kicks off on Tuesday at 20.00 GMT and follows on from the thrilling 2-2 draw at Parc des Princes, where PSG fought back twice to scrape a point.
“It’s an important game and can be decisive for both teams,” Ancelotti told Telefoot.
“We ended up in a very difficult group with Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool. The result can be decisive for the future of our side in the competition, but the same goes for Paris.
“We need an extraordinary performance in order to get the victory, because we don’t have the kind of exceptional players they do throughout the squad.”
Ancelotti effectively started Paris Saint-Germain’s domination of French football, but they have never been able to match it with Champions League results.
“They’ve lacked experience in the important moments of the Champions League, but the team is stronger this season and the players have more belief in themselves. They know that they can win the Champions League this term.
“This is a game that can decide the destinies of these two teams,” continued Ancelotti.
“I think Kylian Mbappé and Neymar can succeed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi on the global football landscape. If Kylian doesn’t win the Ballon d’Or this year, he certainly will over the next few seasons.
“Neymar has a new position and is at the heart of the team now. His new placement allows him to be more dangerous and effective for his team.”
It was Ancelotti who brought Marco Verratti to Paris when he had only ever played in Serie B for Pescara.
“He’s very important for the team and did very well in the 2-2 draw. There is reciprocal affection and it’s a good rapport we share. Marco was very young when he arrived in Paris and is still getting stronger.”
The Italian tactician returned to Serie A this season for Napoli after spells at Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, so would he try again in Ligue 1?
“I was happy in France, so would have no problems returning. Anything is possible.”