Napoli boost as Rrahmani returns, Conte considers starting him against Pisa | OneFootball

Amir Rrahmani is ready to return to the field. After the muscle injury he suffered with the Kosovar national team, the Napoli defender has given positive responses in recent training sessions and could be Antonio Conte's real surprise in the match against Pisa.

Napoli, Rrahmani recovers: Conte thinks of starting him against Pisa

The Kosovar center-back seemed destined to return only at San Siro against Milan, but his conditions have improved faster than expected. According to what was reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, Conte is tempted to launch him from the first minute, instead of Sam Beukema.

Rrahmani represents one of the reference points of the Azzurri locker room, as well as a guarantee of experience and defensive solidity. His return would be important news for Conte, who is carefully managing the rotations in a calendar full of commitments between Serie A and European cups.

Beukema, the prospective alternative

Without Rrahmani, in recent weeks there has been much talk about Sam Beukema as a possible starter. Arrived in the summer for 31 million from Bologna, the Dutch defender is considered the natural heir of the Kosovar in Conte's defensive system.

"With Beukema we need patience", the Azzurri coach had declared, aware of the need for a period of adaptation for the new purchase. However, Rrahmani's recovery could slow down his immediate insertion among the starters.

Buongiorno-Beukema, a tandem to test

In recent days Beukema has been tested in pair with Alessandro Buongiorno in the friendly against Avellino. An unprecedented solution that, according to Repubblica, could come in handy during the season. For the moment, however, Conte's priority remains the return of Rrahmani, the technical and character leader of the rear department.

Conte's choice

With Pisa at the gates, the Azzurri coach will have to decide whether to rely immediately on Rrahmani from the first minute or whether to manage his return with caution. The impression, however, is that the temptation to relaunch him from the beginning is strong, given the importance of the player and the desire to give more security to a rearguard that represents the heart of the Azzurri project.

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