Naples – Romelu Lukaku is back in Naples. The long rehabilitation period following the serious muscle injury he suffered during the summer retreat is finally behind him.
The Belgian striker, who recovered in Belgium, has rejoined the team but will continue to train separately in the coming days. The coaching staff's goal is clear: to return to the pitch for the Italian Super Cup semifinal against AC Milan, scheduled for December 18th in Riyadh.
Antonio Conte, calm but cautious, isn't rushing things. For the time being, the coach is relying on Rasmus Hojlund, who has returned to full fitness after a muscle strain that sidelined him for two weeks. He will lead the Azzurri attack in tomorrow's match against Como, scheduled for 6:00 PM at the Maradona Stadium.
It's far from an easy match: Cesc Fàbregas's side boasts the second-best defense in Serie A, conceding just six goals, behind Roma (four). To break down the Como wall, Conte will return to the 4-3-3, a formation that has returned to prominence following De Bruyne's injury, with Politano and Neres on the wings supporting the Dane.
In the first part of the season, the manager had experimented with a 4-1-4-1 to make the most of the former Manchester City player, but the less than convincing results prompted a return to his roots.
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Despite the numbers, Conte is advocating caution. "Como is an organized team, capable of causing damage if given space," he is said to have confided to his players. For this reason, the Italian coach is demanding intensity and concentration, aware of the quality of Como's play.
On the defensive front, the doubt surrounding Rrahmani remains unresolved, having been sidelined since September with a hamstring injury. The Kosovar has recovered but could start on the bench to avoid risk. In goal, Milinkovic-Savic will continue to start, with Meret out.
In midfield, Gilmour will act as a playmaker awaiting Lobotka's imminent return, while Anguissa and McTominay will flank him.
Napoli, therefore, restarts with Hojlund, the Maradona fortress, and with a specific objective: to maintain their positive streak and remain close to the top of the league, awaiting the return of their Belgian giant.
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