Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti has said he would have preferred to avoid an Italian team in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Serie A leaders Napoli will face seven-time Champions League winners AC Milan in the quarter-finals following the results of the draw at the UEFA headquarters on Friday morning.
And speaking to Kiss Kiss Napoli, Spalletti said due to Milan’s extensive experience in the Champions League and being the second-most successful side in the competition’s history, he considers them favourites to qualify for the semi-finals.
“I preferred not to meet an Italian side,” he said. “I’ve already heard some rumours going around and only the footballing incompetents talk about a good draw because Milan feel at home in the Champions League, they have won the competition seven times, second only to Real Madrid,” the Napoli coach continued.
“Needless to say that their director Paolo Maldini alone has won five. In the past few days, I’ve read that PSG and other teams like City are struggling to go all the way because they don’t have European experience. If what they write is true then we have to say that Milan are favourites in the Champions League. They knocked Tottenham out, not just any team.”
In other quarter-finals pairing, holders Real Madrid will take on Chelsea, Manchester City will battle Bayern Munich and Benfica and Inter Milan will do battle.
3 Comments
Mind games.
At its peak, this guy is funny but it’s too obvious that he was playing mind games, ac Milan of the old can’t be compared to the present one, thank God that after Milan they will face either inter or benfica, this is still the easiest route to the final
One hurdle must be crossed in other to reach the top prize. Napoli now have work to do . And they have to do something incredible. Do what maradona ‘s team did winning the competition despite being the underdog.
Baresi is giving tips on how to stop oshimen. I believe Napoli is aware . I wish them the best