Napoli expect tough time in Europe

Napoli are prepared for the prospect of being drawn alongside some of Europe’s big names when the Champions League draw is made on Thursday.

Walter Mazzarri’s side finished third in Serie A behind AC Milan and Inter Milan last season after mounting an impressive title challenge, but their president Aurelio De Laurentiis knows progressing beyond the group stage will be tough given their seeding.

“For us it is a big honour to play in the Champions League,” De Laurentiis said.

“The only problem is we are (seeded) four in the selection of the clubs in Monte Carlo on the 25th (of August) so probably we will make the first three matches against very, very strong clubs.”

De Laurentiis, whose club has avoided big spending during the off-season, was critical of UEFA chief Michel Platini, and he believes the new financial fair play laws the body have introduced will have to be vigilantly policed.

“I think there is a huge contradiction in Platini’s attitude to manage everything because he wants to be the Governo (governor) of everybody,” he said.

“He wants to insist with the fair play system but he permits some financiers to over pay and over spend in certain clubs.”

“So I suppose he will be very interesting on one side but very important on the other hand to put a lens on those clubs and watch their balance sheet very attentively.”