Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has declared that his side are ready for the challenge posed by Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League play-off round.
The Spanish side are perhaps the toughest opponent that Napoli could have faced for a place in the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition.
“[Athletic Bilbao are] a team that plays good football and with 50,000 in the San Mames give a big boost. It is going to be a good game, a very intense challenge,” Benitez admitted to sscnapoli.it.
Despite this, the former Liverpool manager has confidence in his players, stating,”Napoli, however, is prepared and determined to reach its goal.”
Napoli are no strangers to daunting European games, having found themselves in the ‘Group of Death’ in last season’s Champions League finishing third in a group containing Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Marseille.
