Napoli face difficult Champions League challenge against “monstrous” Manchester City

Napoli are facing a difficult task on Tuesday, with a trip to Manchester City in the Champions League in what could ultimately become a season-defining match. Two of the hottest teams in Europe right now are going head to head, and that’s always a situation that promises to become quite explosive — and quite difficult.

Napoli have been wildly successful in Italy so far this season, but so have Manchester City in England. Pep Guardiola’s team has run over almost every team they’ve faced this season with even greater efficiency than Napoli, scoring three more goals and giving up one less. They’re coming off a 7-2 thrashing of Stoke City this weekend, and with the explosive talent they bring to the pitch, they’ll be a very different foe than anyone else Napoli will face this season.

Frankly put, this is going to be a huge challenge. Napoli have been good. Very good, even. One of the best teams in Europe early in the season. But Manchester City are a step above, and while Napoli absolutely can win this match, they’ll have to play better than we’ve seen from them in a long time — perhaps even better than they’ve ever been.

It’s going to be a long and interesting day. Let’s hope Napoli are up to the challenge.

Match info, plus how to watch on TV and stream

Match Date/Time: Tuesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. CET

Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England

TV: Fox Sports regional networks (U.S. - English), ESPN Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), PremiumSport HD, RSI La 2 (Italy), BT Sport 3 (U.K.)

Online: Fox Soccer Match Pass, Fox Sports Go, ESPN3, WatchESPN (U.S.), Premium Play (Italy), BT Sport Live (U.K.)

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