Corriere dello Sport Editor-in-Chief: Sabah's European success reflects national commitment to sports – Exclusive

The historic campaign of Azerbaijani champions Sabah FC, set to host Italian giants Napoli in the UEFA Champions League, alongside the broader growth of Azerbaijani football, has caught the attention of the international sports press.

Ivan Zazzaroni, Editor-in-Chief of Italy's prominent sports daily Corriere dello Sport, highlighted the trend in an exclusive interview with AZERTAC.

According to Zazzaroni, Sabah's breakthrough on the European stage is a logical result of the national commitment in sports and overall development.

"It is very encouraging to see clear progress across various sports sectors in Azerbaijan, including high-profile initiatives like football and Formula 1," Zazzaroni said. "Football commands immense public interest, and these accomplishments provide vital momentum for further growth. Sabah plays a key role in the nation's overall sporting progress. Building a club from scratch carries great potential, though sustained success requires time and persistent effort."

The Italian journalist also noted that Qarabag FK's historic European runs have paved the way for other domestic clubs to thrive.

"Qarabag made a remarkable upward trajectory in a short period, establishing themselves as a competitive side," Zazzaroni added. "All of Azerbaijani football benefited from those performances, which injected new vitality into other clubs – and now we see Sabah following suit. While winning the Champions League in a debut season is unrealistic, reaching this stage is a monumental step."

Turning to the upcoming match against Napoli, the editor-in-chief acknowledged that the Serie A side enters as the favorite.

"Napoli undeniably hold the advantage in experience and squad quality," Zazzaroni said. "They are currently undergoing a squad transition and dealing with several key injuries. However, as key players return after the break, the team will regain its top form. On paper, it may seem like an uneven matchup, but observing how this emerging Azerbaijani side performs against an Italian giant will be captivating."

Sabah FC, making their debut in the UEFA Champions League main stage, will host Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, and Slavia Prague in Masazir, while facing away fixtures against Arsenal, Manchester United, Villarreal, and Viking. The Baku-based club opened its campaign with a 4-0 away loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford.