Biggies back for Champs league

Milan, Aug. 7: Gennaro Gattuso’s reign as Napoli coach may have started amid turmoil but the former Italy international has put the Italian club on the path towards a potential Champions League triumph against Barcelona.

The southern Italians head for the Camp Nou on Saturday with a first ever Champions League quarterfinal berth beckoning.

Both sides are 1-1 after the last 16, first leg in the San Paulo Stadium in February.

But Lionel Messi’s Spaniards have not been beaten at home in the Champions League in seven years as they target a 13th consecutive quarterfinal berth.

Barcelona finished second in Spain while Napoli were seventh in Italy, but having secured a Europa League spot thanks to their Italian Cup victory.

The big question will be how to stop six-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, a problem which former AC Milan midfielder Gattuso would have happily tackled as a player.

In Naples, more than rage he has brought calm to a locker room traumatised after a disastrous first half of the season under Carlo Ancelotti, his former coach in Milan.

BAYERN TAKE ON CHELSEA AT HOME

Bayern Munich are hoping Champions League success can convince Thiago Alcantara and David Alaba, who are stalling over extensions, to stay. Bayern host Chelsea on Saturday in the last 16, second leg of the Champions League holding a 3-0 lead after hammering the Blues in London in February when Serge Gnabry scored twice in a gala display.

Since then, Bayern have secured an eighth straight Bundesliga title and lifted the German Cup putting them on course for the treble, having won all 11 games post lockdown. LIVE ON TV

■ Champions League Round of 16, second leg: Bayern Munich vs Chelsea from 12.30 am (Sunday) on Sony Ten 1; Barcelona vs Napoli from 12.30 am (Sunday) on Sony Ten 2.