Napoli director Riccardo Bigon trusts they can beat Juventus this evening and admired Rafa Benitez’s jibe at Jose Mourinho.
Napoli director Riccardo Bigon trusts they can beat Juventus this evening and admired Rafa Benitez’s jibe at Jose Mourinho.
They go head-to-head tonight at the Stadio San Paolo at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“After so many years of being here, I can sense how special this game is,” Bigon told Sky Sport Italia.
“Juve are doing extraordinary things, but in a one-off match we can face them head on. The table reflects the season, but there isn’t a 20-point difference between these teams in terms of quality.
“Over the years we have slowly added elements to create a very competitive squad.”
Napoli are in third place and also in the Coppa Italia Final, where they will take on Fiorentina in May.
“It is a different prospect being second or third, but we know what to do and even third would be worth a place in the Champions League preliminary round.”
In his Press conference on Saturday, Benitez snapped at Mourinho’s criticism and said he “talks too much.”
Bigon admits he was impressed by the outburst aimed at the Chelsea manager.
“You don’t get to be a professional at this level without a strong character. Benitez’s image is so often calm and relaxed, but like everyone he has moments of anger.
“We chose Benitez for a precise reason, as we want to be competitive consistently, going forward to win trophies for many years.”