Napoli faces a tough challenge as they begin their Champions League campaign against Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday evening. The match is set to showcase talents like Erling Haaland, Tijjani Reijnders, Rodri, Scott McTominay, Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund.
Here are three key player matchups to keep an eye on when Napoli takes on Pep Guardiola`s side:
1. Erling Haaland vs Alessandro Buongiorno
Italian international Alessandro Buongiorno faces perhaps the biggest test of his career against prolific striker Erling Haaland. The Norwegian has already scored 3 goals in 3 previous matches against Napoli while playing for RB Salzburg. Haaland is in scintillating form, with 5 goals in 4 Premier League appearances this season.
Buongiorno and his likely center-back partner Sam Beukema will have their work cut out trying to neutralize Haaland on his home turf. They would be wise to study how Inter defender Francesco Acerbi has successfully contained the striker in recent encounters.
2. Tijjani Reijnders vs Stanislav Lobotka
Two of Serie A`s top midfielders from last season will go head-to-head. Reijnders, who joined City from AC Milan this summer, has made an immediate impact in an advanced midfield role. If deployed there on Thursday, he will likely be matched up against Napoli`s Stanislav Lobotka in a crucial midfield battle.
3. Bernardo Silva vs Scott McTominay
Napoli boasts the reigning Serie A MVP Scott McTominay in their star-studded midfield. The Scottish international has been starting on the left of a 4-1-4-1 formation for Napoli this season. A combination of Bernardo Silva and City`s right-back, likely Matheus Nunes, will need to keep close tabs on McTominay as he returns to his home city for the first time since leaving Manchester United last summer.
With Leonardo Spinazzola providing width from left-back, McTominay will have space to cut inside and make runs through the channels, posing a significant threat to City`s defense.