The Serie A outfit make their first Champions League appearance against the competition's most talked-about debutants in an eagerly-anticipated clash at the Etihad Stadium tomorrow.

Napoli boast strong credentials themselves having finished third in the Italian league last season but City's expensively-assembled squad are expected to make a greater impact among Europe's elite.

City have started their Barclays Premier League campaign in outstanding form, winning all four of their games. Napoli are yet to hit their stride having only played one game domestically but Maggio is not fazed.

The 29-year-old said: "City have several quality players but our mindset will remain the same.

"We will try to make a strong start but won't allow ourselves to feel the pressure.

"Even if we do have respect and it will be tough I am convinced we have a chance.

"We are not worried, we are ready. I see a lot of excitement.

"There is something about playing against players more experienced but we are all looking forward to it and we have performed very well in the last two and a half years."

The two sides have been placed together in a tough group alongside German giants Bayern Munich and Villarreal, the fourth-ranked side in Spain's Primera Division last season.

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri said: "It is obviously a very difficult group.

"Statistics say we are not the group favourites - we are the least favourites - but I do not believe this is important.

"We have had positive growth and all we need to do is keep focused and keep calm and take the competition one game at a time.

"We will play against Manchester City and play as if it is a final."

While City are playing in Europe's top club competition for the first time since the 1968-69 season, Napoli are also enjoying a resurgence of their own.

The Partenopei, who last played at this level in 1990-91, were promoted back to Serie A in 2007 and have finished sixth and third since Mazzarri took charge two years ago.

Mazzarri, 49, added: "I live in Naples and can see how people feel.

"It is our fifth year back in Serie A. Now we are getting into the Champions League and not through the back door.

"The players have done a lot to bring the team to this level. Both the technical staff and I are very proud."

Napoli's last visit to England ended in disappointment, however, after Steven Gerrard struck a late hat-trick in a 3-1 Europa League defeat at Liverpool 10 months ago.