Upturn in Napoli form before Montjuïc visit

A key moment of the season is on the way in the form of the Champions League round of 16 return leg as FC Barcelona welcome Napoli at Montjuïc for an all or nothing game. Xavi Hernández' side drew 1-1 at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium so the return leg at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys will decide who goes through to the next round. 

It won't be an easy task due to an upturn in form for Napoli since Francesco Calzona took over from Walter Mazzarri in the run up to the 1-1 draw in Naples. Napoli remain unbeaten ever since, with two wins and three draws, including the CL round of 16 first leg draw at home to Barça.

Their other four games were in Serie A, where Napoli have found some form, first drawing against Cagliari (1-1), before two significant wins against Sassuolo (1-6) and Juventus (2-1), with the latest result another draw against Torino (1-1).

"We can go far playing like this. I am very happy with how the team are understanding the games", admitted Calzona after Friday's draw, despite conceding that some things still need to improve, going on to say, "we have to regain our defensive balance. We've conceded a goal in every game since I arrived. We'll gradually improve and I believe it can be fixed even though we don't have much time".

He also mentioned the game against Barça, stating "we are Napoli, a strong team, and we should remember that. We'll go to Barcelona with the idea of playing our game, with no fear. Then we'll see what happens on the pitch".

Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia in good form

The return of Victor Osimhen from the African Cup of Nations has also helped. He has scored five of the 11 goals Napoli have scored in the five games with Calzona as coach, including the goal in the Champions League against Barça.

Georgian player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is also in form, both scoring four of the 11 goals and playing a key role for the Italian side. Amir Rrahmani and Giacomo Raspadori were the other scorers.