Maradona Will Cheer Napoli From Heaven, Spalletti Says Ahead Of Barcelona Clash
Luciano Spalletti believes Diego Maradona will be cheering on Napoli from heaven when two of his former clubs meet in the Europa League on Thursday.
Barcelona and Napoli will come face-to-face at the Camp Nou in the knockout play-off first leg.
The Blaugrana dropped into UEFA’s secondary competition for the first time since the 2003/2004 season after finishing third in the Champions League group.
Maradona played for both clubs during his storied career but achieved most success with Napoli during a seven-year stint with the club.
Maradona, who died in November 2020, won two Serie A titles with Napoli and also added the UEFA Cup and a Coppa Italia title to his list of laurels in Naples.
Although he will not be present physically to watch his two former sides do battle, Spalletti is adamant Maradona will be rooting for Napoli from the celestial world.
Asked about injury issues in both camps, the Napoli coach said: "I don't think there will be a disadvantage for the absence of a player.
"The two squads are so well equipped that the absence of one player and the presence of another does not make a difference.
"There would be one that could make a difference, but he will watch this game from heaven.
"I am talking about Maradona, who will initially try to be 'good', but then I am convinced he will take a position and cheer for Napoli."
