Former Napoli and Barcelona defender Laurent Blanc believes the Partenopei striker Victor Osimhen ‘belongs to the category of superstars’ and feels the Serie A side’s defence will be one of the obstacles for the Catalans in their upcoming Champions League meeting.
Blanc played for both Napoli and Barça as a footballer, and the two sides will meet in the Champions League Round of 16 in February and March.
The first leg is at the Stadio Maradona on February 21, 2024, while the decider will be played in Barcelona on March 12, 2024.
“In Naples, I discovered the real defensive culture. It felt like your [Italian] players were born with the souls of defenders, but Italian football is evolving, and this is positive,” Blanc told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Barcelona are more attacking-minded and creative, but they must cope with an Italian defence. Surely, they’ll put on a show.
“Barcelona are facing a difficult moment financially, but to win La Liga [last season] was natural,” continued the ex-France international.
“It was nice it happened with Xavi, who is bringing back the traditional tactical values. Reaching the Champions League Round of 16 was a further reward, but now they need the tools to remain at the top.”
The meeting between Napoli and Barcelona will also offer a chance to see Osimhen against Robert Lewandowski.
“Osimhen belongs to the category of superstars. He is phenomenal, young, and with ample room for improvement,” said Blanc.
“He can become one of the best strikers. Lewandowski is closer to the end of his playing career and it will be an amazing duel, without forgetting other stars such as Kvaratskhelia, another top player.”
Blanc is following Italian football closely and he is not surprised to see Thiago Motta’s Bologna in fourth. The 1998 France World Cup winner also feels the race for the Scudetto will only involve Inter and Juventus.
“I like Motta’s Bologna. He was one of my players at PSG and it’s not surprising that he’s doing well,” he said.
“Finally, you have noticed that Adrien Rabiot can be more decisive by scoring more goals. Juventus can aim for the top, but Inter have a deep squad and top players like Lautaro and Thuram. It will be a two-horse race.”
Blanc, 58, also played for Inter in Serie A and made 98 appearances in Italy’s top flight as a footballer, scoring 12 goals.