Napoli vs Barcelona match preview: Possible lineups, team news, match facts, prediction

 

The pressure to win could not be higher on Xavi’s team heading into the clash in Naples. Having failed to secure a home lead against Napoli, Barcelona’s trip to Italy is a must-win encounter. The redundancy of the away goal policy means that a goalless draw will not be sufficient to put the Serie A side through, unlike in previous years.

Xavi’s team played a sensational game against Napoli at Camp Nou but lacked the finishing touch. The Catalans completely outplayed the visitors, with the wingers and midfield running riot on the night.

They repeated the pattern against Valencia on the weekend, winning 1-4. If the team can carry forward a finishing accuracy akin to the game at Mestalla, there are little doubts as to who will emerge victoriously. Yet, Barcelona’s tendency to slip up when momentum is on their side is a real concern.

What to expect from Napoli?

After their draw at Camp Nou, Luciano Spalletti’s men played out another stalemate against Cagliari in Serie A. Moreover, it would not be wrong to say that they were lucky to get away with a draw, given that their opposition had the better chances and more dominating play on the night.