Napoli v Eintracht: injury crisis and must-win Champions League tie | OneFootball

From a symbol of continuity in Serie A to a team seeking redemption in the Champions League: Antonio Conte's Napoli is preparing for a crucial crossroads in the European season.

Napoli, against Eintracht the night of truth: between injury crisis and the obligation to climb in the Champions League

Tomorrow, at 6:45 PM, the Diego Armando Maradona stadium will welcome Eintracht Frankfurt, a direct opponent in a race that, for the Azzurri, no longer allows for missteps.

The heavy standings and the ghost of Eindhoven

Napoli's European journey so far has not met expectations. The heavy defeat in Eindhoven and the initial loss against Manchester City have left deep scars, only partially eased by the home victory against Sporting. With three points in three matches, four goals scored, and nine conceded, the Italian champions find themselves in 23rd position in the provisional UEFA ranking.

Conte knows it well: goal difference could become crucial in the final calculations, and the match against Eintracht represents one of the last opportunities to change course. As he stated in the press conference, “this challenge is worth not only three points but also our European identity.”

The injury crisis and Conte's forced choices

The Salento coach once again faces a long list of unavailable players. In addition to long-term injuries Lukaku and De Bruyne, there are physical problems for Gilmour and Spinazzola.

“Gilmour will not be in the match,” Conte explained, “while Spinazzola will be evaluated in the final training session.”

In the defensive department, in front of goalkeeper Milinkovic-Savic, a four-man defense is likely to consist of Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, and one between Gutierrez and Olivera, competing for a starting spot. In midfield, the possible return of Lobotka would restore balance and rhythm to the play, alongside the solid Anguissa and McTominay.

Upfront, Politano and Højlund remain key players, while the third spot in the offensive trio is still contested between Neres and Elmas.

Eintracht, the referee of the Azzurri's destiny

The German club, one point ahead in the standings, arrives in Naples with a better offensive efficiency and enviable athletic condition. Eintracht, capable of alternating high pressing and quick counterattacks, represents the most insidious opponent for a team still searching for balance.

Conte will have to find the tactical key to neutralize an opponent that, in fact, can become the true “referee” of Napoli's European destiny. A victory would propel the Azzurri back into the race for qualification; a negative result, however, would irreparably complicate the continental journey.

The Maradona is preparing for a night of tension and hope. Napoli needs to rediscover its European dimension, to become a recognizable, concrete, courageous team once again. As Conte summarized: “We cannot afford excuses, only answers on the field.”

Tomorrow, against Eintracht, much of the Azzurri's European future is at stake — and perhaps, the judgment on the entire season as well.

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