Rafa Benitez is confident “the Stadio San Paolo can make the difference” after Napoli’s 1-0 Europa League defeat at Porto.
Jackson Martinez got the only goal in Portugal and the second leg will be played next Thursday evening.
Rafa Benitez is confident “the Stadio San Paolo can make the difference” after Napoli’s 1-0 Europa League defeat at Porto.
Jackson Martinez got the only goal in Portugal and the second leg will be played next Thursday evening.
“The Stadio San Paolo can make the difference,” assured Benitez on Sky Sport Italia.
“Obviously 1-0 is a negative result, but we can score twice at the San Paolo.”
Napoli have won all of their home games in Europe this season, but earned only one draw from five away fixtures.
“Our idea tonight was to go on the counter and be solid in defence. We need to be more precise with our counter-attacks in order to hurt opponents, so we have to create more.
“Having our fans behind us does make the difference, but Porto are a strong side who are very dangerous in attack.
“We must attack them and they will wait for us in the second leg, hoping to hit us on the break. We’ll see who has more quality.”
Marek Hamsik had been expected to rest, but he started and was again a shadow of his form last season.
“It’s an issue of confidence and we must help him. I have faith in him and expect the best out of Marek, while the team must also work to help him.
“I chose Henrique in midfield because Gokhan Inler had a few problems and he knows how to play with ball to feet. He is a centre-back, but has also done well in central midfield.”