Napoli is preparing for a new Champions League match against one of the tournament's surprises: Sabah, a team founded just nine years ago in Azerbaijan.
The rapid rise of this young and ambitious club, which recently won the national championship by defeating the established Qarabag, represents a significant event in the European football landscape.
Sabah coach Valdas Dambrauskas is a unique figure in the world of football. Born in 1977 in Lithuania, Dambrauskas financed his university education by appearing on the TV quiz show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" in his home country, winning approximately €1200.
This award allowed him to move to England and obtain a degree in Sports Science at London Metropolitan University.
Dambrauskas built his career through experiences at English youth clubs and later as a coach in various European countries, including Bulgaria, Latvia and Croatia, before joining Sabah.
His personal and professional history is intertwined with that of a team that, in just a few years, managed to emerge in Azerbaijani football and qualify for the most prestigious European competition.
The match between Napoli and Sabah is therefore more than just a sporting encounter: it is a confrontation between an established club and a young, up-and-coming team, led by a coach whose career path is a testament to his determination and personal investment in his own footballing future.
Key points on the Sabah-Napoli match
Here are some key things to consider regarding the Sabah vs. Napoli Champions League match.
- Emerging team: Sabah is a young club, founded only nine years ago, that has already achieved significant milestones in Azerbaijani football.
- Special coach: Valdas Dambrauskas has a unique story, having financed his education through a win on a TV quiz show.
- European Competition: The match marks Sabah's Champions League debut, a significant opportunity for the club.
- Comparison of experiences: The match pits Napoli's history against the freshness and ambition of Sabah.
- Recent results: Sabah recently won the national championship, beating Qarabag, a much more established club.



