Napoli vs Barcelona H2H Preview and Prediction: 2nd Leg Play-off | Europa League 2022

Napoli and Barcelona will battle for a round of 16 spot in the Europa League when they meet each other at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Thursday. 

Europa League: Match details 

Play-off: Napoli vs Barcelona
Date: 24-02-2022
Time: 8 pm (UK time) 
Stadium: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
Referee: Istvan Kovacs  

Napoli were impressive in the first leg of play-offs and created many good chances but failed to convert them. They were largely dominated by Barcelona in later stages and were lucky to not concede more goals because of Barcelona’s poor finishing in the match. 

However, Napoli were held again by Cagliari in Serie A and will have to display a fine performance to outclass Barcelona. 

In contrast, the Catalans came back stronger, as they hammered four goals past Valencia which could boost their morale in their next match against Napoli. Aubameyang scored a hattrick and will be brimming with confidence when he faces Napoli. 

Napoli vs Barcelona: Head-to-Head

Napoli vs Barcelona: Form Guide 

Napoli: D-D-D-W-W

Barcelona: W-D-D-W-W

Napoli vs Barcelona: Trivia 

- Only one Spanish team has ever won away at Napoli in European Competition in 10 visits there, including qualifiers. (D3 L6). Real Madrid were the one who defeated Napoli 3-1 in the Champions League in 2017. 

- In European competition Barcelona have defeated six Italian teams away from home, (Fiorentina, Inter, Juventus, Lazio, Milan and Udinese).

- In the first-leg against Napoli, Pedri created five chances making him the youngest player in Europa League, aged 19 years and 84 days.  

Napoli vs Barcelona: Flashback 1st Leg

Barcelona had a great start to the game, but poor finishing led to an early goal punishment by Napoli when Piotr Zielinski swept home. After that, the Catalans were better, but the lack of finishing left them frustrated.

However, they eventually got their reward when Adama Traore’s cross hit Juan Jesus’ hand, and the referee rewarded a penalty, which Ferran Torres converted successfully. 

Napoli vs Barcelona: Predicted XI 

Napoli (3-4-3): Alex Meret; Amir Rrahmani, Kalidou Koulibaly, Juan Jesus; Mario Rui, Fabian Ruiz, Diego Demme, Eliot Elmas; Piotr Zielinski, Dries Mertens, Victor Osimhen

Barcelona (4-3-3): Andres Ter Stegen; Serginio Dest, Ronald Araujo, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba; Pedri, Sergio Busquets, Gavi; Adama Traore, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ferran Torres

Napoli vs Barcelona: Prediction 

Napoli have displayed a lethargic performance in the past three games, which were ended in a draw. And now they face another tough fixture, and it will be a thrilling nerve-racking match. 

While it looks like Barcelona have finally built their momentum and slowly getting into their shape under Xavi. 

Xavi has great players at his disposal, who are bursting onto the scene. Obviously, Barcelona will dominate the match and this time they will be clinical in front goal. 

Prediction: Napoli 0-2 Barcelona