Milan legend Ruud Gullit insists Napoli are the favourite to win the Champions League and hopes Juventus ‘have learned’ from their mistakes after a 15-point deduction: ‘The worst part is that nobody in Europe is surprised.’
The former Netherlands international spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of Napoli’s Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday.
The Partenpei are runaway leaders in Serie A with a 15-point lead over second-placed Inter. They have won 20 of their 23 league matches, drawing two and losing just one game.
“I already said Napoli are the favourite to win the Champions League and I haven’t changed my mind,” said Gullit.
“They play a brand of football that everyone wants to see. Quick and vertical. Premier League clubs are strong and the same is true of Bayern and Real Madrid, but Napoli are totally different from the others.”
The former midfielder sees a big difference between this Napoli side and Diego Armando Maradona’s, which he faced between the 80s and the 90s.
“That Napoli side depended on Maradona, while this is a complete and entertaining team. They can win the title and go far in Europe,” said the Milan legend.
What’s his take on the Rossoneri this season?
“It’s tough. They’ve been struggling, but not everything is as easy as last season,” noted Gullit.
“Things have been trickier for them this season, but anything can happen in football. They won the first leg against Tottenham in the Champions League. Let’s see how it goes.
“During my era, all the best players were in Serie A, now they are in England and Spain. The Champions League is a tough competition for Italians. I am convinced that Italian clubs play good football, but only top players can give that spark you need in certain games.”
Gullit also discussed Juventus’ point penalty due to financial irregularities.
“It’s always bad when something like this happens. You never want to face a similar situation, which should never happen in a big club like Juventus. I hope they’ve learned now,” he said.
“They were penalised and it’s a pity. The rest of Europe is not surprised and this is the worst thing. Juventus are a great club and don’t need this. I am confident they have understood.”
Gullit, 60, scored 56 goals in 171 appearances with Milan between 1987 and 1994, winning three Serie A titles and the Champions League twice. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 1987 while at the Stadio Meazza.