La Gazzetta Dello Sport compares tomorrow’s match against Liverpool at Anfield to a ‘graduation exam’ for Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli, highlighting four things the Partenopei need to get a result against the Reds.
Napoli are the Serie A table leaders with a five-point lead over second-placed Atalanta. They are the only unbeaten team in Italy’s top flight and won the last 13 games across all competitions.
This is why today’s edition of La Gazzetta Dello Sport describes Napoli’s trip to Anfield as a ‘graduation exam’ for Spalletti’s boys, but how can Napoli get a result at Anfield and win their group?
Approach
Napoli won the reverse fixture 4-1 last month and Liverpool will be looking to get revenge at home. Jurgen Klopp has recently labelled Napoli as the ‘most in-form team in the world.’ The Serie A leaders may have a different approach at Anfield on Tuesday, given that they can win the group with a draw or even a defeat.
The stars
Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are perhaps the best two players in Serie A at the moment. Scorer of eight goals each so far this season, the Nigeria striker and the Georgia winger will lead Napoli’s attack in England tomorrow. The reverse fixture at the Stadio Maradona was not exactly unforgettable for Osimhen, who missed a penalty and sustained a muscle injury. However, he’s been absolutely on fire since his return, with six goals in four appearances across all competitions.
Anfield effect
Napoli already played in two iconic stadiums in the Champions League group phase: Ibrox and the Cruijff Arena, where Ajax suffered their heaviest European defeat last month (6-1). The Reds’ fans will be an added value, but Napoli should not be fearful and try to have fun on the pitch, playing without pressure given that they have already reached their first target in Europe’s elite competition.
Style of play
Spalletti’s Napoli are a joy for the eyes. The Partenopei move the ball quickly and players don’t have fixed positions on the pitch, so their dynamism is a constant threat to their opponents. Klopp and Spalletti have some similar tactical principles, such as trying to win the ball high up the pitch and play vertically once they have possession. The meeting at Anfield can further boost Napoli’s self-esteem and be like a graduation exam for a team close to perfection this season.