Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has been expressing his delight at taking a team to play Rangers in the Champions League, describing the feeling like Christmas Eve.
Speaking ahead of the Ibrox clash, Spalletti was clearly in buoyant mood with his charges now topping Serie A and coming into matchday 2 off the back of hammering Liverpool 4-1.
The Italian coach took over at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona in the summer of 2021 and actually replaced ex-Rangers midfielder Gennaro Gattuso in Naples.
Now, this talent strewn team really do look like they’re beginning to click and Rangers will know that they’re facing a quality outfit in Luciano Spalletti’s side.
The Gers are coming into the match with Napoli off a scolding of their own and fans expect better than the two 4-0 defeats to Celtic and Ajax heading into this match.
Luciano Spalletti excited for Rangers’ clash with Ajax
Luciano Spalletti spoke after the Champions League draw about the history in Group A as his Napoli side were drawn with Rangers, Liverpool and Ajax.
As the Italian prepares to take his side to Ibrox, the Napoli manager has been once again reiterating this by claiming he feels like a kid at Christmas.
Spalletti also touched on the “energy” of Ibrox with the Napoli boss claiming he has previously been told it is “impossible” to face Rangers here.
“It is a bit like Christmas Eve – that is how happy I am to be playing in all these different games,” said Luciano Spalletti [BBC Sport].
“As if I am being rewarded with all these presents for my good behaviour.
“It is sentimental for football to have a group with so many great, historical teams in it. That doesn’t always happen in this tournament, so the chance to go and play in all of these great stadiums is something that I am really looking forward to.
“We know that Rangers can play how they play home and away and they are used to this sort of pressure.
“This sort of stadium becomes a push, a force of energy to the players.
“I have read players from the past saying that it is impossible to come here and not feel some sort of reaction with the atmosphere.”
Here’s how we predict Rangers to line up against Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli side in this match.