De Guzman relishing Napoli test
18th February
Jonathan de Guzman is looking forward to a "proper European night" as the Swans venture into new ground on Thursday night.
Garry Monk's side host Napoli in the opening leg of their last 32 stage tie, with the Swans hoping to take a lead with them in the return match at the Stadio San Paolo a week later.
The Swans take part in this phase of the competition for the first time, with a 3-0 win in Valencia the most memorable moment from a tricky Group Stage.
And de Guzman, who scored his third goal of the season in last Sunday's 3-1 FA Cup defeat at Everton, is looking forward to locking horns with the Italians at the Liberty.
"Napoli is a very big game for us, it's a new step for us as a group and for the club," said the Dutch international.
"They are doing very well in their season and are a very strong side. It will be a great match to play in.
"I think it will be a proper European night. I'm looking forward to it, the teams is looking forward to it and it will be a great game to be involved in.
"It's a great match-up and we are home first and if we can get a good result at home, hopefully we can get a result out there."
With Swans head coach Monk currently working on his side's preparations, de Guzman also has some inside information on some of the players his team-mates can expect to face.
He added: "They are very strong up front. I played against one of their players, Dries Mertens, when I was in Holland.
"He has good quality as does Higuain and Callejon, and their midfield is very strong as well.
"I played against Higuain when I was at Villarreal and he has a real nose for goal.
"He is deadly and is always looking for opportunities. We all saw what he can do at Real Madrid and he is a big player for them.
"It's hard to watch lots of their games - I tend to watch the Spanish league.
"But I saw that in the Coppa Italia they lost the first leg to Roma and then came back very strong at home, and they have been showing that week in, week out.
"Given their home performances we need to come away with a result when we are at home. We are confident of that.
"They are a different type of opponent but we are confident."
