Elmas useful for Napoli emergency, but it’s Lang’s time now | OneFootball

Eljif Elmas has proved to be a very useful signing for Napoli, especially in an emergency moment, but Noa Lang is expected to start for the Partenopei against Atalanta tonight.

Napoli coach Antonio Conte is inclined to start Noa Lang in a home game against Atalanta tonight.

Lang expected to start in Napoli vs. Atalanta

LECCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 28: Danilo Veiga of US Lecce competes for the ball with Noa Lang of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between US Lecce and SSC Napoli at Stadio Via del Mare on October 28, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

The Dutch winger has only started one league game so far this season and is still without goals or assists in 11 appearances across all competitions.

Conte is expected to start Lang tonight, hoping to see a clear reversal of the trend.

Another option on the wings for Conte was Elmas, who returned to the Stadio Maradona in the summer.

Why Napoli brought back Elmas

NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 04: Eljif Elmas of SSC Napoli battles for possession with Nnamdi Collins of Eintracht Frankfurt during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 04, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The Partenopei brought him back to the club for simple reasons: the North Macedonia international can play in multiple roles is perfect for any sort of emergency.

The fact that he already knew the club and was very much appreciated inside the dressing room was a plus.

Tonight, however, Elmas might only make a substitute appearance, either playing in central midfield or as a winger.