Squad Updates and Injury Concerns
Napoli is contending with a significant injury setback as David Neres has been ruled out due to a muscle problem. The winger, who has yet to score this season across six appearances, suffered a low-grade hamstring injury and is not expected to return until the November international break, with hopes he might be available for the Serie A match against Lazio on November 8 [1]. This absence adds to the list of unavailable players, which includes Antonio Vergara and Costantino Favasuli, both sidelined until late November [2].
However, there is positive news on the injury front with the return of several key players. Alisson Santos, André Zambo Anguissa, and Mathías Olivera are all back in full training and available for selection [3]. Their return provides a much-needed boost to the squad depth. In terms of potential starting lineup changes, Lorenzo Lucca is reportedly pushing for a starting role up front against Venezia, potentially displacing Rasmus Højlund, who might start on the bench due to fatigue [3]. Kevin De Bruyne is also expected to begin the match on the bench [2].
Contract Negotiations and Form Struggles
Beyond the immediate player availability, Napoli is also navigating ongoing contract discussions, particularly concerning Scott McTominay. His contract renewal situation is reportedly being discussed, with a gap between his camp and the club’s positions [4]. McTominay is also noted as the most valuable Scottish player according to a recent market value update [5], and there are rumors of interest from Real Madrid [5]. Despite these discussions, the focus remains on the tactical considerations and established player relationships crucial for squad decisions [4].
On the field, Napoli is enduring a challenging period, described as their worst start to a season in 17 years under Massimiliano Allegri [6]. The team’s form has been poor, with four losses and three wins from their first eight competitive games. This difficult run has also extended to their Champions League campaign, where they have failed to secure any points from their opening matches [6]. The upcoming match against Venezia, who recently appointed Davide Nicola as their new coach, presents an opportunity for Napoli to turn their fortunes around.
What it means
Napoli currently sits in 9th place in Serie A with 10 points from six games, having scored 10 goals and conceded 6. Their recent form shows a mixed bag of results, including a 3-1 loss to Villarreal in the Champions League and a 3-0 home win against Frosinone. The team has also secured a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina and a 1-0 victory over Bologna, but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League. This inconsistent performance highlights the struggles mentioned, with the club’s current standing reflecting a need for more consistent results. The next fixture sees Napoli travel to Venezia, a match where the site’s forecast predicts a 0-2 victory for Napoli, with a 60.0% chance of a win. This forecast suggests an expectation for Napoli to capitalize on Venezia’s recent coaching change and their own returning players to secure a much-needed three points and improve their league position.
Sources
- Football Italia: Napoli confirm injury details as Neres could be ruled out until international break football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Napoli team news: David Neres suffers injury, set to miss Venezia clash football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Allegri explains De Bruyne ‘misunderstanding’, hints at Hojlund benching football-italia.net ↩
- Football Italia: Napoli must separate McTominay contract negotiations from their midfield plan football-italia.net ↩
- BBC Sport: Napoli back McTominay to stay amid Real links - gossip bbc.co.uk ↩
- Football Italia: Allegri’s Napoli suffer worst start in 17 years as tensions rise football-italia.net ↩
