The head coach of Manchester City, Josep Guardiola, after the match against Napoli (2:0) in the first round of the main stage of the Champions League admitted that he admires Italian teams.
— It was a perfect start to the Champions League. We played against a team that spent most of the time with one player less. Italian teams are incredible in defense. I have faced them many times in the Champions League. They have great resilience and concentration. I admire them very much, — said Josep Guardiola.
Additionally, in the first half, at the 21st minute, Napoli was down to ten players due to the red card shown to Giovanni Di Lorenzo.