Napoli face a tough run: Conte plans squad rotation ahead of Torino clash | OneFootball

After the international break, Napoli are preparing for an intense period that will test the squad’s depth and management.

Napoli, the tour de force begins: Conte prepares rotation ahead of Torino

Over the span of ten days, Antonio Conte’s men will face Torino, PSV Eindhoven, and Inter—three decisive clashes between Serie A and the Champions League. The coach from Salento is ready to carefully manage energy and resources, aware that any mistake at this stage could weigh heavily on the league table and their European campaign.

Conte nearing 50 benches: “Managing our forces will be fundamental”

On Saturday, against Torino, Conte will celebrate his 50th match on the Napoli bench. A symbolic milestone arriving at a crucial moment of the season. The trip to the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino indeed opens a tour de force that will continue on Tuesday with the delicate European clash against PSV Eindhoven, then culminate on October 25 with the big match against Inter, the current league leaders.

As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Azzurri coach is considering several lineup changes to avoid overloading his most-used starters. “We have a demanding cycle ahead of us,” Conte is said to have confided to his staff, “and we need to get there with everyone at the peak of their condition.”

Milinkovic or Meret: the dilemma between the posts

One of the main issues concerns the goal. So far, Milinkovic and Meret have split appearances evenly (four each), but the Serbian keeper seems slightly favored. Conte appreciates his ability to build from the back and provide greater security in ball management, a useful trait against a Torino side that likes to press high. However, the final choice may only be made close to the match, based on physical condition and tactical strategy.

Defense: emergency and rotations, chance for Marianucci

With Rrahmani still sidelined and Buongiorno not at his best, the Azzurri coach is considering giving Marianucci space alongside Juan Jesus. The 2004-born defender, left out of the Champions League list, could thus have a chance to start in the league, allowing Beukema to rest ahead of the trip to the Netherlands. On the left flank, Spinazzola remains the designated starter, but his use will depend on his post-international duty condition. In case of rotation, Olivera seems ahead of Gutierrez.

Politano or Neres: Conte’s most delicate choice

The biggest question concerns the attacking unit, particularly the right wing. David Neres seemed set to start, but Matteo Politano’s recovery opens up a new scenario. Conte will have to decide whether to rely on the Italian right away or give him a few more days to recover. However, it’s unlikely the coach will risk such an important piece during a physically demanding period: a start from the bench for Politano is more probable, with Neres (or Elmas) ready to take the role from the first minute.

Conte’s plan: controlled intensity and load management

The technical staff’s goal is to preserve energy and maintain high concentration throughout the run of games. Conte, who has always been meticulous about athletic condition, is said to have planned a targeted program of rotations and differentiated training for players returning from international duty.

The coach aims to avoid injuries and dips in focus while ensuring maximum competitiveness in every competition. The message to the group is clear: “The performance matters, not who starts. We will need everyone.”

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