Napoli, Neres set to shine: big chance v Torino | OneFootball

The Brazilian forward hasn’t scored in 287 days and 17 matches. With Politano injured, the challenge in Turin could be the turning point for David Neres.

Napoli, Neres ready for redemption: the big chance to become a protagonist again against Torino

Napoli’s next match under Antonio Conte, scheduled for Saturday, October 18 at 6 PM against Torino, could represent a personal turning point for David Neres.

The Brazilian winger, who arrived last season from Benfica, hasn’t found the back of the net in 287 days and 17 matches: his last goal dates back to January, in that victory in Florence which seemed to herald a new beginning.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the match at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino seems “tailor-made” for him. The absence of Matteo Politano, due to injury, opens up a valuable space on the right wing, the area of the pitch where Neres made his name during his time at Ajax and Benfica: starting from the right, cutting inside onto his left foot, creating chances.

“Conte can place him on the right in Politano’s place, or move him to the left where he likes to play naturally. Whatever formation the coach chooses, Neres can adapt,” writes Antonio Giordano in the Gazzetta.

From backup to possible starter: Conte studies his moves

After a difficult period, in which a muscle strain forced him to stop during the warm-up for Napoli-Cagliari, Neres has regained his fitness and confidence. Now, with Politano out and set to rest ahead of upcoming fixtures, the Brazilian is in the running for a starting spot.

Neres’s tactical versatility, being able to play on both flanks, offers Conte multiple solutions. The coach, who closely monitored him during the break at Castel Volturno, could choose to relaunch him right in Turin, perhaps in a front three with Raspadori and Osimhen or in a more balanced 4-1-4-1.

The Neres paradox: dazzling talent but still unfulfilled

Since wearing Napoli’s blue, Neres has scored three goals in total: two in the league and one in the Coppa Italia. Numbers far from those he posted in the Netherlands and Portugal, where he reached 14 goals with Ajax and 12 with Benfica in a single season.

The feeling, also shared by the technical staff, is that the player hasn’t yet expressed his full potential, partly due to a tactical role that hasn’t always suited him. On the left, in fact, he has struggled to find space and timing for runs; on the right, however, he has always shown he can make an impact with dribbling, runs, and dangerous shots.

The match against Torino could therefore represent a fresh start: the chance to end a drought of almost ten months and relaunch his season in a Napoli side that needs to rediscover its attacking spark.

Neres remains ahead of Elmas and Spinazzola

As also reported by Corriere dello Sport, the Brazilian is the main candidate to replace Politano. While Elmas and Spinazzola have been away with their respective national teams – North Macedonia and Italy – Neres has stayed behind to train under Conte at Castel Volturno, an important advantage for Saturday’s selection.

“Politano’s injury is a blow, but at the same time it opens a window onto a significant opportunity for Neres,” writes Davide Palliggiano in the Corriere. “For the first time, he’ll be able to play in his natural position, the right wing, where he can finally express himself at his best.”

Redemption goal: Turin as a personal rebirth

Antonio Conte is counting heavily on the player’s mental reaction. In a Napoli side that needs consistency and new attacking solutions, Neres could be a key tactical card: speed, technique, and the ability to beat his man are qualities currently lacking in the squad, especially with Politano out.

The match against Torino, a physical and compact team, will give Neres the chance to prove he’s more than just a backup. At 30, after seasons of ups and downs, the Brazilian knows that the time to become a protagonist again is not infinite. And that the best way to convince Conte – and win back the Maradona crowd – is to go back to doing what he does best: scoring and making an impact.

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