Stadio San Paolo
Tonight, kickoff at 20:45
Napoli hosts Benfica in the Group B second day of the Champions League. After the debut victory against Dynamo Kiev, thanks to another 3 points, it could seriously believe to the next round. Benfica is a difficult team. In its championship, it always won the last 15 matches far from Lisbona. After a disappointing home draw in the Champions League against Besiktas, the Rui Vitoria team is forced to get the victory against the Neapolitans. Last contest between the two teams, at the San Paolo stadium in 2008, when the hosts won 3-2.
Benfica have a great level of organization and technical qualities. Last year he only surrendered to the quarterfinals, making tremble Bayern Monaco. A lot of absences for Rui Vitoria. The coach will have to do without Jonas, Raúl Jiménez, Samaris, Barbosa, Danilo and Jardel. 4-4-2 for the Lusitanian, interesting players are the seasoned goalkeeper, Julio Cesar, former Inter defender and Lindelof, to whom Napoli has thought this summer. The midfielders Salvio and Pizzi, who play on the right and on the left. Finally in attack, Guedes, praised by Sarri in the press conference, and Mitroglou, who has been also in the sights of the neapolitan club, a few years ago.
Few doubts for Sarri, indeed, just one. Allan or Zielinski? We believe the coach will choose the superior experience of the first one, who is also able of increased interdiction.
PROBABLE STARTING TEAM:
Napoli (4-3-3) – Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik; Callejon, Milik, Mertens.
coach: Maurizio Sarri.
Benfica (4-4-2) – Julio Cesar; Semedo, Lindelof, Lopez Grimaldo; Salvio, Horta, Fejsa, Pizzi; Guedes, Mitroglou.
coach: Rui Vitoria.