Napoli – As per UEFA regulations, Napoli today released the official list of players who will take part in the League Phase of the 2026/27 Champions League. The 23-name list captures the club's European ambitions and, as always, leaves out a few youngsters seeking opportunities.
Napoli coach Max Allegri – supported by the management – has opted for a mix of top-notch signings and renewals, with the stated goal of competing on equal terms with the continent's top clubs. Last season's key players have been retained, including Meret, Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, and Anguissa, as well as strikers Hojlund, Lucca, and Neres.
Two exclusions, however, are causing controversy: Giovane and Marianucci, both promising youngsters, are out. This is a technical decision, likely dictated by the need to respect the parameters of List A and guarantee playing time for the more experienced players in a group that promises to be challenging.
For the two excluded, however, the season is not compromised at all: they can be included in List B (reserved for youth team products with certain requirements) or find space in the league and the Coppa Italia.
The full list of 23 players called up for the Champions League:
Badiashile, Beukema, Neres, Contini, Alisson, De Bruyne, Di Lorenzo, Favasuli, Gilmour, Hojlund, Lang, Lobotka, Lucca, Marin, McTominay, Meret, Milinkovic-Savic, Olivera, Politano, Rrahmani, Spinazzola, Vergara, Anguissa.
A solid defense (with Badiashile, Beukema, Rrahmani, Di Lorenzo, Favasuli, Spinazzola, and Olivera), a midfield of international caliber (De Bruyne, Gilmour, Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay, and Politano), and a young and talented attack (Hojlund, Lucca, Neres, Lang, along with Vergara and Allison Santos). Napoli enters Europe's premier competition with a deep and competitive squad.
Now the ball is in the court: the first outing in the League Phase will tell whether the roster choices – and the notable exclusions – were the right ones.
Details on Napoli's Champions League squad
Here's some useful information about Napoli's squad for the 2026/27 Champions League.
- Exclusions: Giovane and Marianucci were not included in List A.
- Options for young people: The two excluded players can be included in List B or play in the league and Italian Cup.
- Goals: Napoli aims to compete with the best European teams.
- Competitive squad: The team features a mix of experience and youthful talent.
- Next commitment: The first match of the League Phase will determine the effectiveness of the choices you make.
