Win again to maintain their European run. Napoli prepares for the trip to Marassi with a clear objective: to follow up on their victory against Fiorentina and consolidate their position at the top of the table. Maintaining a solid position in the top four is an absolute priority, both sportingly and financially, and Antonio Conte wants no letup against a Genoa side that has historically proven difficult at home.
The good news for the coach comes from the defense, where Amir Rrahmani returns. The Kosovar center-back has overcome a gluteal injury and will return to the starting eleven. It remains to be seen whether he will be deployed in the center or as the right-back in a three-man defense, a solution that would open up Buongiorno's central position ahead of Meret and Juan Jesus on the left-center position. This is a significant return to a defense that will have to do without captain Di Lorenzo, who is sidelined: the defender took advantage of his time out for foot surgery related to a knee problem.
The midfield is short, and the available players are being called upon to perform overtime. Lobotka and McTominay remain the cornerstones of a midfield that must ensure balance and pace. Gutierrez and Spinazzola will be given space on the flanks, especially since Politano is not yet ready to return to the squad and will need another week of training.
Up front, the transfer news will initially come from the bench. Giovane and Alisson are ready to lend a hand during the match, while Hojlund will lead the attack from the start. Behind him, Vergara and Elmas will operate, called upon to move between the lines to create superiority and feed the striker. Conte is demanding consistency and hunger: the team isn't going to Marassi to manage, but to grab three points that could weigh heavily in the Champions League race.
Source EDITORIAL TEAM
Comments (1)
The article is interesting and gives pause for thought about Napoli's situation. The team needs to stay focused, especially after their win against Fiorentina. However, there are many unknowns that could affect their performance against Genoa.