The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona is about to be lit up as two daring teams, Napoli and Barcelona face off against each other in the first leg of their champion’s league round of 16 fixture. However, both teams are currently struggling to gain dominance in their league as they look to propel themselves up with a win. it promises to be a thrilling encounter in this night of champions.
Napoli vs Barcelona
![](https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1858404837/photo/uefa-champions-league-2023-24-round-of-16-teams-jerseys-shoot.jpg?s=612x612&w=gi&k=20&c=2BbQo9yXR6_R0m5wh5vQ-Va04cNoEzF8_Py_oV7EPzE=)
Both teams have something legendary in common. Their stadiums are named after the legendary icon Maradona who happened to play for both teams during his illustrious career. Napoli has been unable to progress through their previous meetings with Barcelona. Being knocked out of the Champions League round of 16 and Europa League knockout round playoffs, 2019/2020 and 2021/2022 precisely with Barcelona having the Edge.
However, Barca’s away form indicates only one win in 10 away fixtures in the knockout phase of the Champions League. Napoli will also capitalize on Barca’s inability to win against an Italian side in their past three Champions League meetings.
Team News: Napoli
Napoli is optimistic of turning things around despite their current struggles this season. They sit 9th in the Serie A and are likely to lose their title defense amidst their run in poor form and several dismissals.
They’ve had several changes this season with coaches to improve results and performances but to no avail. Recently with the appointment of Francesco Calzona who takes over from Walter Mazzari this week, we hope to see changes. Napoli will be boosted with the services of Victor Osimhen who’s likely to feature in today’s game after his outing with Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations Campaign.
Team News: Barcelona
Barcelona are not left out in their disappointing run of form, with Xavi opting to step down at the end of the season. They currently occupy 3rd position on the La Liga standings with 8 points behind leaders Real-Madrid. They look to make amends with their performance on the Champions League stage, keeping their fans’ hope alive. They’ll be without the services of Balde, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Marcos Alonso, and Sergi Roberto when they face Napoli Today.
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Napoli
Gollini; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Ostigard, Mazzocchi; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Osimhen, Kvaratshkhelia
Barcelona
Ter Stegen; Kounde, Araujo, Martinez, Cancelo; De Jong, Christensen, Gundogan; Yamal, Lewandowski, Pedri
Date: 8 pm GMT, Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Stadium: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples
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