Napoli, who are working under the guidance of former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, have taken maximum points from three domestic fixtures this season. They have conceded just one goal in the process.
City, in contrast, have looked a little shaky at times. Pep Guardiola’s side were more defensively solid when claiming a 3-0 derby victory over arch-rivals Manchester United last time out – with Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma making his debut as their new first-choice goalkeeper.
Di Canio is still convinced that Napoli can get at City, telling Il Mattino: “This is a great opportunity and we need to seize it immediately. From what we’ve seen in the first few games, they’re in disarray at the back. They’ve brought in a lot of new players, and when they lose the ball, they’re almost an amateur team. Before, anyone who went to play against City respected them, but now, even if City are up 3-0, everyone knows they can recover.”
Di Canio believes that Conte’s side can progress through the league phase and extend their continental adventure this season, adding: “I’d say Napoli doesn’t have the calibre to contend for the Champions League, but the path they’re on can certainly help. The single group stage is absolutely within the Azzurri’s reach, and they have to get through it.”
Napoli’s trip to Manchester will see Kevin De Bruyne handed an immediate reunion with the club that he left over the summer. Ex-United stars Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund will also be back in familiar surroundings.
