In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, former Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly expressed his belief that Napoli possesses the capability to eliminate Barcelona from the Champions League. Koulibaly emphasized the absence of a match at Camp Nou as a potential advantage for Francesco Calzona’s team. Napoli is scheduled to face Barcelona on Tuesday, following a 1-1 draw at the Stadio Maradona in the initial leg of the Champions League Round of 16, two weeks prior. Koulibaly exuded confidence in Napoli’s ability to secure qualification for the quarter-finals for the second consecutive campaign.
“I love Napoli, the club, the fans and the city. Things are improving now, I hope they go as far as possible in the Champions League,” he told Gazzetta on Sunday, on page 16.
“Napoli have everything to qualify. Not playing at Camp Nou could be an advantage. At Montjuic, there is not the same passion and pressure. I hope Napoli qualify. Barcelona have talented players and a great coach, but Napoli are organised again and they can hurt them.”
Koulibaly additionally commended Napoli coach Calzona, underlining the positive rapport established during their collaboration under the stewardship of Maurizio Sarri. Notably, Calzona’s influence was pivotal in persuading the Senegalese international to remain with the club amidst potential departure considerations.
Furthermore, Koulibaly addressed instances of racial discrimination encountered during his tenure in Italy, notably citing incidents during the 2018 season wherein he was subjected to racist taunts during an away fixture against Inter. Subsequently, Napoli icon Diego Armando Maradona extended his solidarity towards Koulibaly through an expression of support conveyed via his official Instagram platform.
“Racism is an issue that must be faced in schools, where children must be taught that they are the future of the world and tomorrow’s adults,” said Koulibaly.
“We must find concrete measures, not sanctions that for clubs and people are like candies.
“That [Maradona] post with my shirt gave me great strength. Maradona always fought for the rights of the weakest, and that’s why Napeolitans love him so much. Barça-Napoli will also be a magical game in his memory.”
Finally, Koulibaly commended Cristiano Ronaldo and his fellow Al-Hilal teammate Neymar, expressing contentment with his participation in the Saudi Pro League.
“Many must thank Ronaldo. He had the courage to make this step. He is a real champion. He trains with the same passion as a kid and he scores extraordinary goals. I call Neymar ‘magic’. What he does with the ball is unimaginable. He embarrasses you for how strong he is. Everything looks easy to him and you don’t understand if you are bad or if he’s from another planet.”