UEFA vice-president Zibi Boniek believes Napoli are not just heading for the Serie A title, but could have their say in the Champions League too. ‘They play better football than Real Madrid.’
The Partenopei are 13 points clear at the top of the Serie A table with only one defeat in the tournament all season.
They topped the Champions League group ahead of Liverpool, Ajax and Glasgow Rangers, booking themselves an appointment with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Round of 16.
“I can see a team like Napoli doing very well in Europe, but don’t forget that Eintracht are tough to beat too. If Napoli can continue playing at their current level, they can go far,” Boniek told Vikonos.
Luciano Spalletti was asked if he can see this team going all the way in Europe and said that when it came to stick or twist, he had no doubts they’d be ready to gamble.
Boniek agrees that they can make a real splash in the tournament and paid a great compliment.
“Why shouldn’t they dream of winning the Champions League? I think Napoli play better football than Real Madrid. They win games by dominating, not with a defend and counter approach, and they have two excellent centre-backs too.”
Napoli were certainly dominant in the group phase, winning all five of their opening matches including a 4-1 over Liverpool and 6-1 away to Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena.