Serie A clash against Lazio. After resting during Thursday’s Coppa Italia defeat, key figures Romelu Lukaku, Stanislav Lobotka, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are expected to reclaim their spots in the starting lineup.
This return likely means Giovanni Simeone will step aside, despite his impressive track record against Lazio. The Argentine striker, who netted in the midweek cup match, boasts an outstanding eight goals in 14 Serie A appearances against the Roman club – the highest tally among current players.
While Napoli manager Antonio Conte enjoys a nearly full-strength squad, with only Pasquale Mazzocchi sidelined due to injury, Lazio faces more significant selection issues. The capital club will be without left-back Nuno Tavares and midfielder Matias Vecino, while forward Boulaye Dia is doubtful due to an ankle problem.
Adding to Lazio’s concerns, Nicolo Rovella is suspended following a difficult outing against Parma where he missed a penalty, conceded a goal, and received his fifth yellow card of the season.
Lazio coach Marco Baroni is expected to make several changes from the cup tie, likely benching Coppa Italia hat-trick scorer Tijjani Noslin and goalkeeper Christos Mandas. In their place, Ivan Provedel, Matteo Guendouzi, and Valentín Castellanos are among those anticipated to start.
Napoli (4-2-3-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Politano, McTominay, Kvaratskhelia; Lukaku
Lazio (4-2-3-1): Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Romagnoli, Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Dele-Bashiru; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni; Castellanos
