Juventus vs Napoli preview - Llorente expecting tough clash

Posted Sunday, November 10, 2013 by PA

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente believes the team must be at their very best on Sunday night against Napoli if they are to remain perfect at home.

Like Juve, Napoli have enjoyed a strong start to the campaign.

Both sides have each won nine games and lost just once and are only three points behind Serie A leaders Roma after 11 games.

"Napoli is a club of a very high level," Llorente said. "They are doing really well and we will have to hand a superb performance to come out winners.

"We have won all of our games at home and the fans will give us a big boost as always. This game means a lot, even though there are still many games left to play in the season.

"I believe these points could be crucial for the campaign."

The two teams go into the match after midweek Champions League games.

Juventus held Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw on Tuesday to keep their options of progressing to the next round alive, and Napoli edged Marseille 3-2 on Wednesday.

A point at Borussia Dortmund in their next European match on November 26 would be enough for the azzurri to progress to the knockout round.

"It was important for us to win," Napoli coach Rafa Benitez said. "I am satisfied with the result.

"Now we must focus on the game against Juve.

"Juve are favourites to win because they have one extra day to prepare for the encounter."

Napoli have not won in Turin since beating Juve 3-2 in October 2009.

They will be without midfielder Giandomenico Mesto, who hurt his knee in last weekend's 2-1 triumph over Catania and will be sidelined for four months.

Llorente, who came on as a second-half substitute in in Sunday's 1-0 triumph at Parma, is expected to partner Carlos Tevez in Juve's attack.

Antonio Conte's men will have to keep a close eye on Napoli's front-line.

Marek Hamsik, Jose Maria Callejon and Gonzalo Higuain have scored 17 of Napoli's 24 goals in Serie A.