Napoli, Oriali confirms Meret injury but ‘De Bruyne has never fallen’ | OneFootball

Gabriele Oriali says he’s seen Kevin De Bruyne ‘sweat and stagger, but he has never fallen’, but also confirms an injury to Alex Meret: ‘Unfortunately, he’s not even on the bench.

Napoli’s Head of First Team Management, Oriali, spoke to DAZN ahead of an away game at Fiorentina.

Rasmus Hojlund starts for the Partenopei at the Franchi, making his Serie A debut after a move from Manchester United on deadline day.

“He’s a young player with excellent potential,” Oriali said via TMW.

“He has already gained experience both in Italy and in the Premier League. We’re convinced we’ve managed to cover Lukaku’s absence in the best possible way. He, along with Lucca, will allow us to replace him effectively.”

Napoli confirm Meret’s injury

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 21: Alex Meret of Napoli reacts during a warm-up session prior to kick-off in the Serie A match between Genoa and Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 21, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic makes his Napoli debut as Alex Meret has suffered an injury.

“The decisions are up to the coach. Unfortunately, it’s a pity because he won’t even be on the bench,” Oriali said.

“Besides Lukaku, Rrahmani and Contini will also be unavailable. We hope this negative spell will pass, but we have a squad that allows us to cope with the absences.”

Oriali happy with De Bruyne’s impact at Napoli

epa09248348 Italy’s head coach Roberto Mancini (R) and Gabriele Oriali prior to the international friendly soccer match between Italy and the Czech Republic at Renato Dall’Ara stadium in Bologna, Italy, 04 June 2021. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI

Lastly, one more question about De Bruyne.

“From a technical point of view, there’s nothing to say,” Oriali said.

“He approached the group with the modesty and humility of a great champion. Since his arrival, he hasn’t missed a single training session. I’ve seen him sweat and stagger, but he has never fallen.”