Champions League: Napoli left with no choice but to win maximum points

Jordan Russell (@JordRuss96)
20 nov 2017

Napoli made it clear from the word go that their priority this season is to devote most of their energy towards wrestling the Serie A crown from Juventus. Indeed, this has come at the expense of results in the Champions League and the Partenopei now find themselves faced with the real possibility of failing to qualify for the last 16.

They currently sit six points behind second-placed Shakhtar Donetsk with just two matches left to play. Their home clash against the Ukrainian champions tomorrow night is absolutely crucial. Anything other than a win will consign Maurizio Sarri’s men to Europa League football after Christmas – hardly ideal for a club which is developing itself into a perennial contender for major trophies.

With Shakhtar Donetsk still to face Manchester City at home on matchday six, there is every chance two wins could see Napoli progress against all the odds. Paulo Fonseca’s team won’t be easy to breach, but Sarri’s charges will be confident they can take things to the final match on December 6th.