Pepe Reina says Napoli will face Real Madrid “without any fear” but “now we have to think about the League”.
The Partenopei won their Champions League group, but were rewarded with a Last 16 tie against the holders.
“It’s a great opportunity, also for the city of Naples,” Reina told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.
Pepe Reina says Napoli will face Real Madrid “without any fear” but “now we have to think about the League”.
The Partenopei won their Champions League group, but were rewarded with a Last 16 tie against the holders.
“It’s a great opportunity, also for the city of Naples,” Reina told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.
“It’s a difficult challenge against one of the best teams in the world, it’ll be difficult to qualify. We’ll have to go to the Bernabeu without any fear, we have to take it as a historic opportunity to progress.
“The return leg? Obviously I expect a full and fired-up San Paolo, which can give the team a huge boost.
“The match at the Bernabeu will be difficult, it’s always difficult to get a result as the visiting team. We don’t fear anyone, but we have a lot of respect.
“We’ve reached an important milestone, arriving among the best 16 teams in Europe, it means a lot to us but now we have to think about the League.
“Torino are doing very well and have a good attack, it’ll definitely be a tough game for us. It’s an important game for us, it’s our last one at home before the winter break.
“We have to win, above all through our performance.
“We hope the team has matured, there are positive signs after the period from October to November where we didn’t do too well, at least in terms of results.
“These past few games have gone well, hopefully this will always be the team’s level.”
Reina was also asked about his friendship with Dries Mertens.
“He’s becoming an even better player than he already was, not just in terms of football but on a personal level.
“He’ll be the future of this club, he’s a special friend. I get on with everyone, but there’s a special bond with Dries.”
Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis said he had sent Gonzalo Higuain some vegetables for Christmas after the striker joined Juventus.
"I don't know what to say," Reina confessed.
"If the President said he did that, then he did. I have no problem with Higuain, he always gave a lot for Napoli."