It’s quite simple for both Napoli and Manchester City today, if either side loses the match,they can say goodbye to their chances of moving onto the knock out stages.
City are probably the best team in Europe at the moment if you consider their current form, however, their hosts Napoli are no pushovers either. With a squad that oozes talent, Wlater Mazzarri will be hoping that his boys can replicate the same form that saw off Serie A champions AC Milan 3-0 earlier in the season.
Speaking ahead of the match, Mazzarri hailed City as being on the same level as Spanish giants Barcelon and Real Madrid. Mazzarri however, urged his boys to play without fear when both sides meet today.
“They are in a great period of form, but we have to play without fear,” Mazzarri said.
“No matter who they put on the field, they have the same strength as Barcelona or Real Madrid.”City are doing well in their championship – they scored six goals at [Manchester] United – but we have the weapons to hurt them.”
Group A could leaders Bayern Munich have a good chance of progressing through to the knockout stage if the win at home against Villarreal. Although City are unbeaten in their last 12 league outings, Mancini expects a tough test from Napoli.
A statement from City’s officially website read:
“The feeling is good [in the City camp] for Napoli. The team has improved a lot in the Champions League. But I know what we will find in Naples, they are playing very well at home.”
Meanwhile, AC Milan are reported to be interested in Carlos Tevez. Tevez who is bound to leave City in January has not played for the club since he infamously snobbed coach Mancini when the coach signalled for him to warm up.
According to AC Milan assistant manager Mauro Tassotti, the club is interested in Tevez.
“Tevez to Milan? He is a great player but we need to evaluate his condition and his head because as well as technical ability, you need to be mentally ready to play,” Tassotti said.
Napoli host City tonight at the San Paolo stadium.
Photo Credit © Manchester City FC – Official
