Luciano Spalletti is hoping to see Napoli continue churning out the exhilarating brand of football they have been producing in Italy when they take on Eintracht Frankfurt on German soil on Tuesday evening.
The coach was speaking to the gathered media in Frankfurt the day before the two sides meet for the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.
"Tomorrow I expect my team to play the same way we've been playing in Serie A," the boss began.
"I know my players well, both as footballers and as individuals, and I expect them to perform well in a knockout tie like the Champions League last 16 we have to play tomorrow.
"We have no points advantage here but even in Italy we've always taken each individual match as if it were a head to head. That's the sort of mentality we've acquired.
"I still see the Champions League as a celebration. It was when we started and it still is now that we're in the knockout stage. We want to enjoy every moment and we'll try to show we deserve to be here.”
How are you expecting the game to pan out tactically?
"Eintracht are an excellent team. They're well organised, good going forward and good defensively. Every team in Europe has quality and tries to impose their own game.
“Tactically speaking, we have a strategy so a lot will depend on how we play our own game. We have a good chance but so do our opponents. We have an equal chance of going through.
"They have acquired a lot of experience in the Europa League, reaching the final and winning it last season, so they're mentally ready for certain situations.”
What do you expect from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen in the Champions League?
"I expect them to send out a strong message to the rest of Europe and the world. The club did a superb job in choosing two talented young players. Our European campaign is a big opportunity for them to further improve and build up their confidence. They're not afraid of any opponents.
“Generally I expect us to play the sort of game we've been playing since the start of the season: to take control of proceedings, boss possession and decide the direction of the game.”
Are you familiar with Oliver Glasner's football?
"Yes, I know Glasner and I know his football philosophy. He deserves credit for what he's achieved with Eintracht. He's built a team that is strong physically and well organised who build moves and fall back equally well. He's capable at conveying a specific mentality to his players.”
Is it nice to receive compliments from your opposite number?
“Generally, I'm very wary of any compliments, especially through the media. I still remember the comments made in certain quarters at the start of the season about Napoli not even finishing in the top four.
“As for Glasner, I agree with him when he says we both have a 50% chance of going through. They've earned the right to be here just as we have and they'll give it a go as we'll give it a go with our own qualities.”
