Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic doubtful for Torino, Conte concerned | OneFootball

The former Torino player is not certain to recover in time for the match against his old team. A possible return in the Champions League against PSV.

Napoli, Milinkovic-Savic in doubt for Torino: the Serbian goalkeeper's condition worries Conte

Napoli risks having to do without Vanja Milinkovic-Savic for the crucial away match against Torino, scheduled for Saturday, October 18.

The Serbian goalkeeper, a former Torino player, is dealing with lower back pain that is slowing down his full recovery, casting doubt on his presence in the very match that would have seen him return as an opponent to the stadium where he grew up as a footballer.

According to reports from Corriere dello Sport, the player's condition is being evaluated day by day. Antonio Conte and Napoli's medical staff are monitoring the situation cautiously, aware that rushing his return could worsen the problem.

Milinkovic-Savic between consistency and reliability

After a complicated start to the season, Milinkovic-Savic has gradually established himself as a solid alternative to Alex Meret, offering the Apulian coach a profile more suited to his idea of building play from the back. Conte has in fact alternated the two goalkeepers depending on the match, but the Serbian seemed destined to secure the starting role thanks to his ability to play with his feet and the confidence he brings to the defense.

The physical problem, however, now risks interrupting this progress. If he is absent, Meret will defend Napoli's goal against Torino, thus regaining the starting spot in the league.

Possible return in the Champions League against PSV

The plan of the Azzurri’s medical staff is to manage the Serbian goalkeeper prudently. If he does not recover in time for the match against Torino, the goal will become the Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven, scheduled for the following week. Conte does not want to take risks, also because the season is long and Napoli will need both of its goalkeepers in the rotation between the league and cups.

A source close to the Neapolitan environment explains:

“Vanja is constantly improving, but caution is needed. Forcing it now would make little sense. The goal is to have him at 100% for the Champions League.”

The comparison with Meret and Conte’s choices

The possible absence of Milinkovic-Savic reopens the competition with Meret, whose playing time has decreased in recent weeks. Conte has repeatedly emphasized the importance of internal competition between the goalkeepers, but the match against Torino could be an opportunity to reassess the hierarchy ahead of upcoming fixtures.

The coach from Lecce, in fact, appreciates the Serbian’s international experience, but continues to consider Meret a reliable profile, especially in terms of reflexes and reading trajectories.

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