Legendary former Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta recognises an improvement in Napoli’s performances since the last meeting of the two sides in the Champions League back in February, and believes it is hard to pick a favourite out of the two heading into the round of 16 second leg on Tuesday evening.
The 2010 World Cup winner spoke in-depth to La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of Tuesday night’s crucial Champions League play-off between Barcelona and the Partenopei.
Napoli head to Catalonia with the scores level at 1-1 from the home clash at the Stadio Maradona three weeks ago.
The first leg against Barcelona was coach Francesco Calzona’s first game in charge of Napoli after being called in to replace former boss Walter Mazzarri.
“Napoli is an opponent I have never faced in an official match,” Iniesta told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “It will be an open, complicated match, and difficult to call a favourite.
“Barca did well in the first leg, but ultimately they did not win it. And, Napoli have improved over the last three weeks. The feeling is much more positive after the change in coach, while Xavi has lost important players in Pedri and De Jong.
“It’s important that they (Barcelona) play at home in the second leg, even if it is in Montjuic and not the Camp Nou.”
Iniesta suggested that Barca do not always enjoy playing at their temporary home at the Estadi Olimpic de Montjuic, which he believes can not compare to Camp Nou.
“I know that they don’t like it, I don’t know whether it’s to do with geography, climate or familiarity, but it’s something that makes things even more complicated for Barca.
“I hope that they are able to replicate an atmosphere similar to Camp Nou when they play against Napoli.”
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