In a group which looks set to entertain, Napoli travel to Serbia’s capital to face Red Star Belgrade in what appears to be an easy game on paper. Carlo Ancelotti’s side head in as heavy favourites, as last season’s Serie A runners-up begin their Champions League campaign. With Liverpool facing Paris Saint-Germain in the group’s other fixture, Napoli will attempt to take advantage of the schedule. However, Belgrade won’t lay down, with Ancelotti’s team set to walk into one of the most intimidating atmospheres in this year’s competition.
Red Star Belgrade Make Champions League Return Against Napoli
The match will kick off at 20:00 BST on Tuesday, 18th of September at the Rajko Mitić Stadium.
Team News
The home side head into Tuesday’s game with a clean bill of health. Vladan Milojević’s team enter with a healthy squad and no suspensions. Expect Belgrade to play an intense brand of football, with their fans sure to be behind them all the way. A sold-out game, Belgrade are expected to have just over 55,000 fans in attendance. Red Star complete a group full of home-field advantages – this will surely play a role throughout the group stages. The outsiders of Group C, Milojević will likely play a defensive style, with his side hosting free-scoring teams like Liverpool and PSG. On Tuesday, Napoli come in expecting to win, which does take the pressure off Belgrade. This, along with their passionate supporters, could lead to a shock result on the night.
Napoli head into Tuesday’s game with no key players missing and no suspensions. Set to play their usual attacking 4-3-3 formation, Ancelotti’s team need to start well in what is sure to be an intense atmosphere. In this situation, the favourites will rely upon their experienced players. Captain Marek Hamšík will be a key man, despite not being a regular in the first team so far this season. Star center-back Kalidou Koulibaly recently signed a new deal, with the Senegalese defender set to play a crucial role on the night. Group C will be tough for both of these teams, which is why Napoli must take full advantage on Tuesday.
Napoli Need to Take Full Advantage
Carlo Ancelotti’s Napoli team enter Tuesday’s game as favourites. In what may already be a must-win game for the Italian club, picking up all three points is vital. Winning on Tuesday would likely lead to Napoli topping the group after matchday one. As Liverpool face PSG, this is an ideal time to play Red Star. Take full advantage, beat Belgrade away from home and potentially top Group C. Sounds easy, but it isn’t. Tuesday’s game looks easy on paper, but it’s not, with Belgrade set to bring their A game. The former European Champions (1990/91) haven’t played in the Champions League since 1992. This alone will make Tuesday game difficult with Belgrade sure to be motivated as they attempt to make history.
Hopefully, the Serbian club can avoid any crowd trouble, with Red Star’s fans already banned by UEFA for the next two away trips to Liverpool and Paris. This is due to the team invading the pitch and setting off fireworks during their Champions League play-off win over RB Salzburg.
Predictions
On the night, Belgrade will likely switch from their usual 4-2-3-1 to a more defensive 4-5-1. This will help them hold Napoli and set up counter-attacks when they can. However, Ancelotti will field a strong team, hoping to end Red Star’s qualification hopes early on. With Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens set to start alongside Arkadiusz Milik, this Napoli team should be too much for Red Star to handle on the night. One name to watch out for is midfielder Piotr Zieliński. The Polish star is slowly becoming a talisman for the Italian club, following in Hamšík’s footsteps. Napoli have the quality, but their game plan isn’t up to scratch yet. Early season struggles will give Belgrade hope, but Ancelotti’s men should have just enough to beat their Serbian opponents.
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