Griezmann is in great shape and expects to start against Napoli
The French striker has fully recovered from his injury and wants to extend his impressive record in Europe
Antoine Griezmann wants to start against Napoli. The French striker is in great shape after recovering from his muscle injury and has impressed in the short, mini-matches in training. The little Prince will only start if Quique Setien opts for 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 diamond. His impressive return to fitness - and form - could force the coach to change his plans.
Griezmann's record in Europe is decent and he could play a crucial role in a one-off match against Napoli. In his 70 matches (in the Champions League and Europa League) he's scored 30 goals in 70 matches, providing 12 assists along the way. In just the Champions League he's made 32 goal contributions in 63 matches.
Throughout his career, Griezmann has faced Italian opposition on three occasions (Roma, Juventus and Inter). Against Roma, in 2017/18, he scored and assisted in a 2-0 victory at the Vicente Calderon. In his eight matches against Serie A sides he's only lost once, against Juventus, won five and drawn the other two. One of those was when Griezmann saved Barça in the first leg against Napoli.
Good form against Napoli
Griezmann's strike which beat Ospina in the 58th minute isn't the only goal he's scored against Napoli, but it certainly was the most decisive. During preseason, Barça faced Napoli twice. The Frenchman ran the show in the first match but failed to get on the scoresheet but in the return game, just three days later, Griezmann scored his first-ever goal in a Barcelona shirt.
Everything suggests Griezmann is likely to start against Genaro Gattuso's side but his form prior to his injury has been inconsistent. Setien hasn't been afraid to bench the striker and could keep him in reserve, should they need goals from the bench.
Topics with the letter
