Luciano Spalletti said preparing for Napoli’s Champions League trip to Glasgow Rangers is like ‘the night before Christmas’ and his team know what to expect from that legendary Ibrox atmosphere.
It kicks off at Ibrox on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
This game was originally meant to be this evening, but moved to tomorrow because police were over-stretched by events around the Queen’s funeral.
“We send our condolences to the whole nation. We have an extra 24 hours to prepare and that is a real boost for a game like this. Other than that, it’s about being ready to play in a stadium with a great history and atmosphere,” said Spalletti in his press conference.
“The extra day allows you to think a little bit ahead to your line-up, whereas things are often still evolving when we make our plans. At least we had a few more hours.
“Rangers fans, their history, their city, it all gets poured into the stadium for those 90 minutes. You must be able to react within that emotional and even physical pressure, because all those elements are working together.
“I know my players well enough now to say they look ready to show what they can do in any context. They look a lot more confident and relaxed.
“I was glad when the draw was made for this group, because with Liverpool and Ajax, the games are all in historic arenas, it’s a great group for the sentimental football fan.”
All British games were cancelled at the weekend following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, so Rangers are well rested, whereas Napoli battled to beat Spezia 1-0 on Saturday.
Rangers have lost their last two games by 4-0 results, to arch-rivals Celtic and Ajax in the Champions League.
“Yes, but they are a very different team away from home, as the atmosphere at Ibrox gives them a real boost. I read an interview with some former Rangers players who all said it was impossible not to raise the bar in an atmosphere like Ibrox.
“We have played in places like this before, we know that we cannot beat them on an emotional level in their own stadium, so we have to do something different, keep the ball and say right, now we do what I want. Win the ball back, play it to feet and see if they will be good enough to play that type of football.”
With Victor Osimhen injured and Hirving Lozano suffering from flu symptoms, Giovanni Simeone is expected to start upfront rather than Giacomo Raspadori.
“Raspadori ran more than some of my midfielders against Spezia, but tomorrow will be a different type of match and Simeone is better at attacking the space. He has this enthusiasm to chase down anything that goes by.”
Spalletti gave an intriguing description of preparing for the Champions League clash in Glasgow.
“It’s like the night before Christmas, tomorrow I will unwrap my gifts, because I really am happy to be here. We’ll see what type of gifts I receive. If children behave themselves, they get good presents, and this is a competition that makes you happy.”
Napoli fans are barred from making the trip due to those added security concerns, so tickets had to be refunded.
“It really does penalise us, we’ll see them clinging to their television sets, trying to climb inside. We’ll still feel their affection and strength.”