Napoli head coach Luciano Spalletti expects his side to play “blindfolded” against Liverpool in a Champions League opening match where he says the roar of the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona will be heard at Anfield.
Just over three months after their narrow Stade de France final loss to Real Madrid, Jurgen Klopp’s men return to continental action in Wednesday’s Group A opener in southern Italy.
Liverpool are favorites to top the group and start their Champions League quest with arguably their toughest test.
“Players dream of playing in this competition all their lives,” said Napoli coach Spalletti, whose team beat Lazio 2-1 on Saturday.
“The standard is really high and games can be won or lost in one game step. You have to be very excited against teams like Liverpool.
“You can prepare as thoroughly as possible, but when you’re up against true champions, you know they’re capable of finding something unexpected.
“That said, we have some top players and I’m convinced the boys will play blind tomorrow, picking up where they left off against Lazio.
“I repeat, this group of players can earn Maradona’s affection even more this season.”
Spalletti vowed to “play Napoli style, aiming to win” on Wednesday, but he knows his team faces an all-powerful battle against a team he admires.
“It’s an honor to be on opposite sides of Klopp,” he said. “There is no one like him and his philosophy of play distinguishes his team in world football. I will try to read what he is trying to ask of his team.”
Spalletti expects star striker Victor Osimhen to pass a fitness test on match morning, having followed a “custom schedule” on the eve of the match due to muscle soreness.
The availability of the Nigerian international would be a huge boost for a team that will once again be at their best in the cavernous and creaky Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
“We are aware of how much power Maradona can give us,” Spalletti added.
“I am convinced that the noise that the fans will generate tomorrow will be heard even at Anfield.
“The enthusiasm of the fans can ease the tension and their support will help us a lot.”
