Capello tips Napoli to reach UCL final, hails Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia partnership

Veteran Italian coach Fabio Capello has tipped Napoli to reach the 2022/2023 UEFA Champions League final.

The former Real Madrid and AC Milan manager believes the runaway Serie A leaders have what it takes to reach the grand finale of Europe's most prestigious club competition given the quality of players at their disposal and the experience of manager Luciano Spalletti.

The former England manager also hailed the partnership between Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia as key to Napoli's remarkable form this season.

Capello also highlighted Osimhen's incredible fighting spirit and aerial abilities which he believes is something the other Serie A clubs are missing.

“Napoli can reach the final,” Capello told Spanish publication, Marca.

“They have an expert coach, they have quality players, and they have found others.

“Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia are two players who make the difference. One (Kvara) has a lot of quality, and the other (Osimhen) fights a lot and is impressive when he heads. The other teams, Milan, Juventus, Roma, and Inter, have lost a lot.

“Napoli have so far won easily in Italy, but also in the Champions League. They finished first against Liverpool, beating them in the group stage. Napoli are a reality; they are a very, very good team.”

Napoli will take on Serie A rivals AC Milan in the quarterfinals of the UCL after dispatching Eintracht Frankfurt 5-0 on aggregates in the previous round.

Luciano Spalletti's side have also managed to open a healthy 19-point gap at the top of Serie A.

Osimhen has managed 25 goals in all competitions for the Naples-based club this season.

WDN