CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe expressed his admiration for Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri ahead of tomorrow's clash between the teams at Vitality Stadium (7.30pm).

Howe observed Sarri, a coach credited for his organised and entertaining style, during the Italian’s time at Empoli and insisted pitting his wits against the Serie A boss was something he was looking forward to.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Howe told the Daily Echo: “It’s going to be a real test for us, probably our hardest game of pre-season.

"But it is ideally timed for us to get used to the type of opposition we are going to face week in, week out in the Premier League.

“They are an outstanding team, I would say that.

“It will be a special game. I have a lot of time for their manager, who I have seen work and built a relationship with.”

Asked what Sarri was like as a coach, Howe replied: “Very calm, very relaxed, very thoughtful as well and had an air of confidence about him. The work he did tactically was really good to see.

“I learned a great deal from that trip, so it will be nice to see him again.”

Known for a slick passing style and playing out from the back, Sarri guided Napoli to second in Serie A during his first season before guiding them to third last season behind Juventus and Roma. They will take their place in the Champions League preliminary knockout round.

In last season’s Champions League, Sarri led the Italian club to the last 16 before they were knocked out by Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Howe added: “It’s no surprise for me to see him go on to such big club like Napoli and do so well.

“I think it’s important to go and broaden your horizons, meet new people and see different ways of working.

“Although it wasn’t the biggest club in the world in Empoli at the time, I was really impressed by the work that was done.”

Speaking about his side, in which midfielder Emerson Hyndman is again set to miss out through injury, the Cherries boss added: “I need to make choices now.

“I want choices. I don’t want the team to pick itself and that goes in all positions, so the fact everyone seems to be performing well and showing a good attitude at this stage of the season bodes well.”