Preview: Atmosphere in the Stadio Sao Paolo could make the difference
A second half goal from Jackson Martinez gave Porto a one-goal lead to take with them to Italy. Now playing at home in the intimidating Stadio Sao Paolo, Rafa Benitez is hoping that can play a big factor.
Napoli has won all four of their Europa League matches in Italy, and they would love to make it five out of five on Thursday. To do that, they will need to overcome the current Portuguese Champions, who are coming off a defeat in Lisbon against Sporting.
After a managerial change, Porto won two consecutive matches, but they now face a difficult task in Italy.
“So far in Europe we have demonstrated we have the ability to play well and express ourselves against the big clubs, especially at the San Paolo,” Rafa Benitez told Napoli’s official site.
“We did well in the champions League and against Swansea in the last round. Our fans’ support is crucial and could be decisive.”
Having already won the UEFA Champions League and the Europea League, Rafa Benitez knows all about the pressure that comes with these matches.
The hosts will be up against a new goalkeeper for Porto on Thursday, after Helton suffered an Achilles injury at the weekend, forcing him into emergency surgery, which will keep him out for presumably the rest of 2014.
Brazilian defender Sandro will also be unavailable due to a one-match ban.
Napoli also has injuries of their own with goalkeeper Rafael Cabral out with an ACL injury. Christian Maggio will also miss the return leg after undergoing surgery on a pneumothorax suffered in the first leg.
Regardless of all their injuries, Porto’s manager Luis Castro has belief that his side can overcome the Italian outfit.
“Despite having a few injuries we are optimistic we can go out on to the pitch and give our all to reach the next round,” Luis Castro told reporters.
“That is our goal.”
Where to watch this match - live stream, start time, TV channels, live scores
Watch Napoli vs Porto live on Thursday, March 20, 2014:
In Canada at 16:00 ET on: Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet World Online, Sportsnet West
In the UK at 20:00 GMT on: ITV Live Player
In the USA at 16:00 ET on: SiriusXM FC, Fox Soccer 2Go, Fox Sports 1 USA
If you are outside these countries, please visit the Napoli vs Porto match page for full TV listings.
