Maurizio Sarri believes Napoli and Villarreal “each have a 50 per cent chance of qualification” in the Europa League.

The first leg in the Round of 32 kicks off on Thursday in Spain.

“Nothing has changed since the game with Juventus,” assured the Coach in a Press conference.

“We didn’t pick up points, but we did gain faith in the future because we played on the same level as a Juventus side with an extraordinary trophy cabinet.

Maurizio Sarri believes Napoli and Villarreal “each have a 50 per cent chance of qualification” in the Europa League.

The first leg in the Round of 32 kicks off on Thursday in Spain.

“Nothing has changed since the game with Juventus,” assured the Coach in a Press conference.

“We didn’t pick up points, but we did gain faith in the future because we played on the same level as a Juventus side with an extraordinary trophy cabinet.

“Now we are aware that we can play on level terms away to the biggest European clubs.”

The Partenopei are the only club with a 100 per cent record in Europe this season, winning all six group stage games.

“We each have a 50 per cent chance of qualification. Villarreal impressed me with the quality of their players, even some of those that are less well known, but also for their organisation.

“It is a top level side and that makes it a very complicated and difficult match for us. Will there be squad rotation? I don’t know, because those who play must fight for qualification at all costs. I don’t care about the names, just that whoever plays goes out there with determination to seek the result.

“The objective is to impose our style of football and I am convinced we can do that. It will be important to keep the tempo up, as we struggled in the last two games when Carpi and Juventus closed all the spaces, but we can play our football and get a result anywhere against anyone.

“I think it’ll be inevitable to allow Villarreal some chances, because they’ve got so much quality like Soldado, Bruno Soriano, Denis Suarez, Dos Santos or Trigueros, who I really like.

“I also think Mario Gaspar is phenomenal and destined for a career at the top level. Marcelino trains them well, but if we play the way we can, then we’ve got our chances.

“I do not have great international experience. I don’t want us to lose our identity even with changes of line-up. We’ll see if we can rotate the squad, but I am convinced who does play will be highly motivated in a beautiful stadium.

“We also have to deal with Villarreal, who are a strong side.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tickets Kit Collector