The Spanish giants and former winners will be slight favourite to edge out the reigning Italian champions over two legs
Barcelona manager Xavier ‘Xavi' Hernández has thrown the first pot-shot at Napoli after the two clubs were drawn together in the first knockout round of the UEFA Champions League on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.
It promises to be a battle between two champions – Barcelona lifted the Spanish La Liga title while Napoli won the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years – and two teams notorious for their commitment to playing attacking football.
Xavi's Barca were the second-highest-scoring side in the league last season with 70 goals. In comparison, Napoli managed 77 goals, more than any other team in the Italian Serie A.
Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen contributed immensely to that total as he smashed in 26 goals to finish top of the goalscorer chart.
Despite Napoli's struggles this term, the Parthenopeans have managed 28 goals in 16 games, which compares favourably with Barcelona's 31 goals in 17 matches.
Still, Xavi has taken a dig at Napoli, suggesting that the Italian champions have become a more defensive unit under new manager Walter Mazzarri.
The former Spanish midfielder also told Osimhen and his Napoli teammates to be ready to exit the Champions League, as Barcelona's only aim is to advance to the quarterfinals.
“They are the reigning Italian champion team; they haven't won the title since Maradona's time,” Xavi said, as per Tutto Napoli.
“They are in a situation like ours, even if last year's coach is no longer there, and now there is Mazzarri, who is more defensive. There are still two months to go, but we want to move on to the quarterfinals.”
The first leg of the Round of 16 clash between Napoli and Barcelona will be played at the Diego Maradona Stadium on February 21, ten days after the end of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Even if Nigeria reach the final, Osimhen will have enough time to recuperate before leading Napoli to a historic faceoff with Barcelona.
The Super Eagles striker scored six goals to fire Napoli to the quarterfinals of the Champions League for the first time in history last season.
Barcelona has condescended so low to just talkers these days.
I pray you will not be met with embarrassment.
At this level of the competition, it’s only wise to respect any club that has come this far.
Overconfidence has been the bane of Barcelona FC for most part of what they are.