Cold head and warm heart. Sarri's Napoli is preparing for the first in the Champions League with the awareness of being able to have their say, provided that the spirit remains that of the championship. In short, no awe in front of the "little tune", just like in the last experience in the top continental tournament: it ended badly then, it's true, but the Azzurri played it on a par with teams like Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund. This time they will face the less attractive Dynamo Kiev but the approach will have to be the same, otherwise the risk of foolishness (Roma knows something about it) could turn into reality.
“I've heard that an easy match awaits us but this, in my opinion, is a big bullshit – explained Sarri without too many words. – Dinamo is a team with physicality and good offensive quality, moreover they are used to setting up matches. But we are too and we will try to do it, then we will see who has been better at imposing their game".
The charge is there, at least to see the press conference. However, it is clear that matches are won on the pitch and here Napoli will have to be good at making use of the highest technical quality available, controlling the emotional tensions typical of the Champions League as best as possible. In fact, there are not many Azzurri who are familiar with this competition and the same goes for Sarri, making his debut on the big European stage.
“For me it is the closing of a circle that lasted 25 years but I don't feel particular emotions – the coach glossed over. – I am not satisfied with having arrived here, I want to win”. A concept loudly reiterated by Milik too, also at the pre-match press conference. “We are here to take the 3 points – admitted the Pole. – We know the qualities of Dinamo Kiev but we know we can do well, now we have to prove it”.
A success in Ukraine would be very important for qualification: after Dinamo, in fact, there will be two home games with Benfica and Besiktas and Napoli could take advantage of the San Paolo effect. But first we need to do well at the Olimpico in Kiev and Sarri will try relying on the very titular players, with only one big doubt in attack. Gabbiadini was tried out in the last training session but Milik retains great chances to play from the start and not only due to his presence in the press room.
The remaining blue 4-3-3 will see Reina in goal, Hysaj, Koulibaly, Albiol and Ghoulam in defense, Allan, Jorginho and Hamsik in midfield, Mertens and Callejon in attack. Only one notable absence for Rebrov: it is Danilo Silva, injured in the last league match against Shakthar Donetsk.
For the rest, the former Ukrainian striker (he did great things together with Shevchenko) will be able to count on the 4-3-3 type with Shovkovskiy between the posts, Morozyuk, Khacheridi, Vida and Makarenko in the back, Sydorchuk, Rybalka and Garmash in the midfield, Yarmolenko, Junior Moraes and Derlis Gonzales in the offensive trident.
