Manna: ‘Napoli squad strength is for Champions League places’ | OneFootball

Napoli director Giovanni Manna comments on the Antonio Conte warnings and big changes for tonight’s clash with Milan. ‘Our squad is capable of qualifying for the Champions League.’

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the Liveblog.

This is the first big test for the reigning Champions of Italy, who have a 100 per cent Serie A record this season, losing to Manchester City in Europe when down to 10 men.

Napoli balancing ambition with humility

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 18: Antonio Conte, Head Coach of Napoli, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester City and SSC Napoli at City of Manchester Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Antonio Conte said that Napoli had purchased largely players who need to be helped to grow rather than those who are ready to win. Does the club share that view?

“Yes, we always said that we needed more strength in depth, and over the last two years we have brought in a lot of new players,” director of sport Manna told DAZN Italia.

“Napoli’s growth process requires patience, and we are confident. We mustn’t be negative if things go badly in a few games, it is part of the journey, and we are here to support them.”

They are decimated by injuries, making the trip without Romelu Lukaku, Leonardo Spinazzola, Mathias Olivera, Alessandro Buongiorno and Amir Rrahmani.

The response is to give both Luca Marianucci and Miguel Gutierrez their first minutes in the Napoli shirt, throwing both into the starting XI after transfers from Empoli and Girona respectively.

MONZA, ITALY – MAY 18: Luca Marianucci of Empoli during the Serie A match between Monza and Empoli at U-Power Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)

Napoli are the reigning Champions of Italy, so are they to be considered the favourites to win the Scudetto again?

“We earned the Scudetto on the field and want to defend it with that same determination, day by day,” noted Manna.

“We are aware that we’ve got a squad capable of qualifying for the Champions League places. Once we get into the Champions League, there are competitors of a higher level.

“In Italy, Milan are confirming they are a strong squad, also thanks to the work of their coach, but we will try to defend the Scudetto.”

This is also a reunion for Manna, who had worked with Milan coach Max Allegri when both of them were at Juventus.

“We had a chat earlier along with Conte. We are close, Allegri is a great person and I wish him all the best going forward, but obviously also hope he finishes behind us in the table!”