Andrea Pirlo believes Napoli will fight it out with Manchester City for the Champions League this season. ‘Luciano Spalletti’s side remind me of the Milan I played in.’
The former midfielder and current coach of Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk spoke to Diretta.it about the current landscape during the break for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
He is still keeping a close eye on Serie A football and sees Napoli running away with the Scudetto.
“Spalletti’s side remind me of the Milan I played in, the one with so many attacking players who really enjoyed playing their football,” said Pirlo.
During his time at Milan, Pirlo won two Serie A titles, two Champions League trophies, the Club World Cup, two European Supercups, the Coppa Italia and the Italian Supercup.
It was a team that under Carlo Ancelotti managed to combine Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Kaka, Pippo Inzaghi and Ronaldo.
“Napoli were pleasing to watch when Maurizio Sarri was in charge too, but perhaps this current iteration of the team is grittier. Their playing style is incredible.
“They lost so many big players who meant so much to the fans, bringing in younger elements. They are all roughly on the same level and so whoever earns the right to play gets the nod.
“It works really well and the coach deserves credit, as Spalletti has done a great job.”
Pirlo sees Napoli not just going all the way in Italy for the first time since the era of Diego Armando Maradona, but also potentially lifting the Champions League.
“I’d say Manchester City are the favourites, but Napoli are up there too. They play really good football and can certainly give it a go.
“If everyone stays in good shape and they are at the same level as this in a few months, then Napoli will be tough for anyone.”
The Partenopei won their first five Champions League group fixtures before a futile loss to Liverpool, which still allowed them to go through as group winners.
They will face German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt in the Round of 16 on February 21 and March 15.