Napoli’s European afternoon carries a small reunion from another era, with Antonio Nocerino and Pepe Reina now meeting from the touchline rather than sharing the pitch.
The coach and the club
Villarreal’s Under-19 side face Napoli in the Youth League at the Mini Estadi de la Ciudad Deportiva, with kick-off set for 16:00. Nocerino leads the Napoli Primavera, while former Napoli goalkeeper Reina is in charge of Villarreal’s youth team.
The two coaches crossed paths only once during their playing careers, on 22 September 2013. Their next meeting comes in a different role, with both former Serie A figures responsible for shaping young squads in a European competition.
Villarreal arrive after winning their opening Youth League match. Napoli, by contrast, begin the second round seeking a response after a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in their first fixture.
- Villarreal opened their Youth League campaign with a victory.
- Napoli were beaten 2-1 by Arsenal in their first match.
- Nocerino’s Napoli Primavera now travel to face Reina’s Villarreal at 16:00.
