Serie A: Napoli-Como a trap for Conte, Spalletti debuts with Juve | OneFootball

The tenth matchday of Serie A kicks off today at 15:00 with Udinese-Atalanta and will close at 20:45 with Cremonese-Juventus, a match that marks Luciano Spalletti’s return to a Serie A bench after 881 days. In between, at 18:00, Antonio Conte’s Napoli hosts an ambitious and in-form Como side, led by Cesc Fàbregas.

Serie A, Saturday’s tenth matchday: Napoli-Como a trap for Conte. Spalletti debuts with Juve in Cremona

Napoli, Como threat: Højlund starts and Lobotka close to recovery

After their victory against Lecce, Napoli wants to consolidate their top spot in the standings, also taking advantage of the high-stakes clash between Milan and Roma scheduled for tomorrow night at San Siro. But today’s opponent, Como, presents one of the toughest tests at the moment. Just two weeks ago, the Larians troubled Juventus, confirming their form and European ambitions.

Antonio Conte won’t overhaul the lineup but will make some targeted changes. In attack, Rasmus Højlund returns to the starting eleven, while McTominay will replace Elmas in midfield. In defense, Juan Jesus and Buongiorno are confirmed in the center, with Spinazzola expected to start on the left in place of Olivera.

Good news comes from the infirmary: Stanislav Lobotka has recovered from his adductor injury and will be on the bench. However, the medical staff prefers not to rush things: his return as a starter is expected for the next Champions League match.

Conte’s slogan for the match is clear: “Head held high, but feet on the ground.” The coach wants consistency in results and focus, without being distracted by the standings.

Fàbregas plots a big upset: Morata and Douvikas in contention

On the other side, Cesc Fàbregas is considering some changes compared to recent outings. Up front, the duel between Morata and Douvikas for a starting spot remains alive, while among the three behind, Jesus Rodriguez seems favored over Diao for the left flank.

Como, which has lost only one match this season (on matchday two against Bologna), aims to confirm their defensive solidity and exploit their speed on the counter. On paper, the clash with Napoli promises balance and entertainment.

Juve, Spalletti debuts in Cremona: no revolutions

There’s great anticipation for Luciano Spalletti’s debut on the Juventus bench, as they play tonight at the Zini in Cremona. The Tuscan coach, out of action for over two years, doesn’t intend to revolutionize the team immediately, but wants to stamp his tactical mark right away.

Spalletti is expected to line up a 3-4-1-2, with McKennie on the right wing and Koopmeiners alongside Locatelli in midfield. Up front, the usual battle between Vlahovic and Jonathan David, with the Serb slightly ahead.

In the press conference, Spalletti clarified his intentions: “Vlahovic? I see what he does and how he responds. Against Udinese he played a splendid match, that kind of attitude puts everything in place.”

Alongside the Serbian striker, Conceiçao should return, while Nicola’s Cremonese will once again rely on the Vardy–Bonazzoli duo to attempt the feat. The Grigiorossi haven’t beaten Juventus in Serie A since January 1996 and dream of a historic result.

Udinese-Atalanta opens the day: Juric seeks a spark

At 15:00, Udinese-Atalanta will open Saturday’s Serie A action. Juric’s team hasn’t won since September 21 (0-3 in Turin) and needs a reaction. The coach is expected to bring Krstovic back to lead the attack, while Maldini, De Roon, and Kolasinac will remain sidelined.

For Runjaic’s Friulians, with Davis out, the main doubt is who will partner Zaniolo up front, with Buksa and Bayo in contention.

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