KNOW YOUR ENEMY: NAPOLI
FORM
They may be struggling to match the heights of last season’s top three finish but Napoli are currently on a decent run, having lost just once in nine Serie A games and not conceded in more than six hours. Friday’s 3-0 win at Fiorentina left them sixth in the table.
EUROPEAN CLOUT
Napoli are unbeaten in 11 European games at the Stadio San Paolo, including visits from Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the group stage. They deserve immense credit for advancing amid that standard of competition, while playing some of the most stylish, swashbuckling football – all in their first season in the Champions League.
THE BOSS
Walter Mazzarri, who started his coaching career as an assistant at Napoli 14 years ago, has brought glory back to the club since taking charge in 2009. However, the 50-year-old is suspended for both legs of the Chelsea tie, following a dugout altercation against Villarreal in the group stage. Assistant Nicolo Frustalupi will take the reins in his absence, and Mazzarri quipped: “I’m sorry I can’t be on the bench but Frustalupi is perhaps better than me as a tactician.”
DANGER MEN
The attacking triumvirate of Marek Hamsik, Edinson Cavani (inset) and Ezequiel Lavezzi are the envy of Europe, although the latter is still to net in the Champions League. Happily, the formidable Cavani has rattled four in six games, while Hamsik’s scheming and bursts from midfield have garnered a further two. All three starred in their vital 2-1 win over City in November.