Napoli – The news Antonio Conte and the entire Napoli team have been waiting for has arrived: Alex Meret has recovered from a muscle injury and will defend Napoli's goal in the Champions League match against Manchester City. After missing the match in Florence and undergoing individual training in the following days, the goalkeeper trained regularly at Castel Volturno and will depart for England as a starter.
Conte will therefore be able to count on his number one for the most difficult European debut possible, the one at the Etihad Stadium. It will be a tough test, coming a year after Napoli's last international appearance. The coach intends to leave nothing to chance: the team will work down to the last tactical detail, with only one remaining issue: the left flank. Spinazzola would provide greater thrust up front, while Olivera would provide cover against a stellar attack like City's.
There's no doubt about it in attack: Rasmus Hojlund will lead the Azzurri's attack. The Dane immediately established himself as a key player, impressing Conte and his teammates with solid, incisive performances. Alongside him, De Bruyne will be the key man: the Belgian, revitalized and free to roam between midfield and attack, represents the variable capable of shifting the balance of power. Against his former teammates, De Bruyne will experience a special and potentially decisive evening.
The Azzurri will complete their preparations tomorrow morning at Castel Volturno, then depart from Capodichino and arrive in Manchester. Conte will speak at a press conference at the Etihad this evening. The city is ready for a night of passion: it will be a daunting challenge for Napoli, but with Meret back between the posts and the quality of De Bruyne, the hope is to make this impossible feat a reality.
It's nice to know that Meret has recovered and will be a starter, but I wonder if the team is ready to face Manchester City, who are a very strong opponent and we have to give our all.