Milan-Napoli: Conte eyes Marianucci with Juan Jesus, Beukema rested | OneFootball

The defensive emergency forces Antonio Conte to consider novel solutions for the San Siro challenge. Luca Marianucci's debut from the first minute alongside Juan Jesus is possible, while Beukema should be preserved for the Champions League.

Milan-Napoli, Conte considers Marianucci with Juan Jesus: Beukema towards rest in view of the Champions

Napoli arrives at the big match against Milan with a complicated situation in the rear department. Antonio Conte has to give up Buongiorno, Rrahmani, Spinazzola, and Olivera, four key pieces of the rearguard.

According to rumors reported by Sky Sport, the coach would be thinking of relying on the young Luca Marianucci from the first minute, paired with Juan Jesus, resting Beukema in view of the delicate Champions League challenge on Wednesday against Sporting Lisbon.

A decision that would lead Napoli to take the field with two debutants out of four starting defenders: in addition to Marianucci, Miguel Gutierrez should also start from the first minute on the left wing.

Gutierrez and Marianucci: two debutants in the Scala of football

Il Corriere della Sera highlighted how Conte's choice is more of a necessity than an experiment: "Nothing to invent, just remedy. The summer market brought, among others, the Spanish Miguel Gutierrez, 22 years old, a pushing full-back coming from an injury, who would never have imagined he could debut as a starter in the Scala of football. It happens. Conte disguises the bitterness and uncertainty, inclined to emotionally charge the "survivors" of the defense".

For Marianucci, a 21-year-old defender who arrived from Empoli, it would be an even more significant debut. Conte could line him up from the start, or insert him during the match to manage energies and compensate for absences.

Conte: “Tough week, but a solution is needed”

In a press conference, Conte had already hinted at the difficulties of the squad: "It has not been a lucky week and therefore Rrahmani and Buongiorno are not present. We also had some other little problem, but you know very well that problems come, maybe they all come together, but you have to be good at finding a solution and doing our best".

The coach therefore appears intent on relying on patience and trust, aware that the inclusion of young people is part of a long-term journey. The challenge with Milan, the first of three matches in seven days, thus also becomes a test bench for newcomers.

The balance between championship and Champions

The choice to preserve Beukema highlights Napoli's priorities: the European confrontation with Sporting Lisbon is crucial, but Conte does not intend to give up competitiveness in the championship anyway.

The risk of fielding an inexperienced defense at San Siro is evident, but the coach relies on the character and adaptability of his men, convinced that intensity and concentration can make up for the absence of starters.

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