Napoli juggle injuries, Conte to rotate in Udine with eye on Supercoppa | OneFootball

Napoli is preparing for the away match in Udine during an extremely delicate phase of the season. With widespread injuries, declining physical condition for some key players, and a relentless schedule, Antonio Conte is tasked with a clear and strategic management of resources.

Napoli, the blues between emergency and rotations: Conte changes in Udine, with the Super Cup already in sight

The challenge at the BluEnergy Stadium is crucial to stay connected to the top spots in the standings, but the horizon is already called Riyadh, where in a few days the blues will face Milan in the Italian Super Cup semifinal.

In this context, turnover is not a choice, but a necessity.

Conte's initial evaluations concerned the defensive department. The initial idea was to give Buongiorno a rest, inserting Juan Jesus into the defensive line. However, the plan was overturned by the Brazilian's injury, who suffered a calf blow during a session at Castel Volturno.

The medical staff advised caution, and the defender will not be risked in Udine. A decision shared by Conte, who chose to protect the player in view of upcoming commitments. Consequently, the three-man defense should be confirmed without changes, with Beukema, Rrahmani, and Buongiorno called again to extraordinary efforts.

On the left flank, however, the change is concrete. Olivera has spent a lot in recent weeks and might take a breather. In his place, Leonardo Spinazzola is warming up, ready to start from the first minute.

After a long recovery period, the former Roma winger wants to carve out a stable space in the rotations. His presence guarantees drive, depth, and a different interpretation of the wing, valuable elements against a physical and compact Udinese. Spinazzola knows this is an important opportunity to prove he can be a reliable resource even in crucial matches.

The most delicate issue concerns the midfield. Scott McTominay, among the most used in the recent period, appears fatigued and is dealing with a physical problem that has limited his brilliance. Conte is seriously considering giving him a rest.

In his place, it could be Vergara's turn, a young midfielder who would have the opportunity to start. The goal is clear: maintain intensity, dynamism, and freshness in the central area of the field without compromising the team's overall balance. A choice that also looks beyond Udine, considering the imminent international commitment.

The Italian Super Cup looms. On Thursday, Napoli will fly to Riyadh to face Milan in a semifinal that could direct the entire season. Conte does not intend to neglect the championship but is aware that energy management will be crucial to arrive at that appointment in the best possible condition.

"We cannot afford to lose points, but we must also preserve the team," is the concept guiding the coach's choices at this time.

The match against Udinese thus becomes a real test. On one hand, the need to secure three points to not lose ground in the standings, on the other, the need to avoid new physical setbacks in an already emergency-stricken squad.

Conte will have to find the perfect balance between rotations and competitiveness, aware that this phase of the season tests not only individuals but the depth and mental resilience of the entire group.

Udine is not just a complicated away match: it is the first step of a week that can weigh heavily on Napoli's future. Managing the emergency, maintaining high game quality, and being ready for the Super Cup is the mission. And it is precisely in moments like these that the real strength of a team is measured.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.