Bayern Munich coach Juup Heynckes described Napoli as the best team in Italy ahead of the pair's Champions League clash at the San Paolo here on Tuesday.
The Germans lead Group A after two wins out of two but Napoli are their closest challengers having earned four points so far.
They have also beaten Inter and AC Milan this season and are well placed in the Serie A table.
"As you all know we've started very well in the first part of the Champions League and tomorrow we want to continue from where we left off against Manchester City (a 2-0 win) and play good football," said Heynckes.
"Even though Napoli lost to Parma a few days ago we know we're facing the best team in Italy at the moment.
"I know it won't be an easy game, I've studied Napoli, they have quality, I'm sure it will be a great game.
"They're a typical Italian team in that they are fed by emotion, enthusiasm and their fans.
"That makes for a dangerous situation. They also beat big teams like Inter 3-0, Milan 3-1, Villarreal 2-0 and got a 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
"They are without a doubt a top drawer team."
Although he recognises Napoli's strengths, Heynckes has not prepared anything special to combat the southern Italians.
"I'm very impressed by their quality, they have a great attack and play a different system to the typical Italian teams," he added.
"I'm not concentrating on a particular apsect of Napoli, I'm satisfied with the team I've got at Bayern.
"It's important to always prepare well, make changes at the right time and find the right balance between attack and defence.
"I've just done what any other coach does, if you want to win the Champions League you have to analyse your own team and we're on a great path.
"We have to be in the right mental condition because they have great players and enthusisatic fans, we can't mess anything up."
With City and Villarreal trailing in the group, Bayern captain Bastian Schweinsteiger knows how important a win could be in Italy.
"It's a very important game, the fans are also really looking forward to it as the stadium will be almost full," he said.
"If we win we'll have a five point advantage over the second place team so we'll try to do our best.
"Napoli are not a typical Italian team as they concentrate a lot on attack.
"We've already seen that against Manchester City and Villarreal, they're the best team in Italy at the moment, they play with great enthusiasm.
"We don't just fear their three forwards but the whole team. But we don't just have a good defence, we're good throughout the whole team.
"It will be decided by small things."
The match will be played in the shadow of the Vesuvius volcano but Bayern's Diego Contento says that is no reason for his team to be afraid.
"I've already seen it several times before and I respect it," said the 21-year-old German youth international, whose parents are from Naples.
"I also respect Vesuvius, I just hope it doesn't explode until after tomorrow," added Schweinsteiger.
Source: AFP
