Intro:

Rafa Benitez's Napoli squad train ahead of the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Athletic Bilbao on Monday (18th August).

Script:

Rafa Benitez's Napoli squad were in relaxed mood as they were put through a light training session on Monday, ahead of their Champions League play-off tie against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday.

The game will be the first competitive outing for both teams, as the Italian and Spanish leagues have yet to begin the new season.

Napoli finished third in Serie A last year and won the Coppa Italia for the second time in three seasons in May with a 3-1 win over Fiorentina in Rome.

They will start as favourites against Bilbao, who were fourth last season in La Liga, but Benitez has warned his side that the opposition are likely to be no pushovers, despite losing star midfielder Ander Herrera to Manchester United.

Benitez believes Bilbao will be a tough opponent for his side:

SOUNDBITE (Italian) Rafa Benitez, Napoli coach:

"The current Athletic (Bilbao) players have played together for many years and this is an important advantage. For this reason, it is going to be hard for us."

Napoli will be looking to take a sizeable lead into the second leg of the tie, due to take place on August 27th.