The ongoing 2023/24 season poses several challenges for Barcelona as they aim to compete on several fronts. While their focus remains on La Liga, Barcelona must soon shift their attention to other tournaments, with a keen desire to conquer the UEFA Champions League and end their title drought since 2015. However, the path to clinching the Champions League trophy might not be straightforward.Barcelona’s first obstacle in this pursuit comes in the form of Napoli, managed by Walter Mazzarri. Despite Napoli’s struggles this season, sitting at 8th place in Serie A and having been eliminated from the Copa Italia, they are now resolutely focused on overcoming Barcelona. Reports suggest Napoli is prepared to invest $65 million to bolster their squad for the anticipated clash against Barcelona in the Round of 16.Pasquale Mazzocchi, the right-back acquired from Salernitana for $3.3 million, is one of Napoli’s recent additions aimed at reinforcing their defensive lineup. However, Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis has bigger plans, eyeing the signings of a central defender and two midfielders to enhance the squad’s capabilities further.##NAJAVA_MECA_7781717##Among Napoli’s prime targets are Lazar Samardzic and Boubakary Soumare, midfielders who could offer Napoli diverse options against Barcelona. Nevertheless, the club’s pursuit of Radu Dragusin, an up-and-coming Romanian central defender, has attracted interest not only from Barcelona but also from Tottenham Hotspur.Both Barcelona and Napoli are gearing up for their clash scheduled on February 21st at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Following this initial encounter, Barcelona will host Napoli at the Montjuic Stadium for the second leg in March. The upcoming fixtures promise an intense battle between the two sides vying for progression in the Champions League.
