Pepe Reina says Napoli have a point to prove against Borussia Dortmund tonight.
The Champions League clash gives Napoli a welcome break from Serie A, where they have suffered back‑to‑back defeats.
A victory in Germany would put Napoli through to the last 16 and Reina believes they owe something to their fans after recent stumbles.
“After losing to Juventus and Parma our desire is to redeem ourselves,” said the goalkeeper, who is on loan from Liverpool. “We’re desperate to do that and we have a great opportunity this week.
“We know what’s expected from us — we have to play with an incredible intensity from the outset.”
Manager Rafael Benitez is relishing the meeting and said: “We are up against really top-class opponents, whom I respect tremendously. They have earned this from their great performances in Europe last season. I love such duels. It will be a real gauge of how far we have come.”
Dortmund, last season’s runners-up, have also lost their last two domestic games but Jurgen Klopp is hopeful his team will come good tonight.
“We are highly focused and cannot be knocked off course so easily,” said the Dortmund manager.
“This will be an important challenge and a really tough game but I’m sure that we’ll have our usual harmony for this match.”
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