Champions League: Napoli's Defensive Crisis Continues

Conte's Napoli face tough test against Sporting Lisbon

Napoli's injury crisis worsens ahead of their Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon. More about Conte's challenges.

Antonio Conte asks reporters for ideas to solve Napoli's deepening injury crisis...

Antonio Conte is seeking creative solutions to Napoli's growing injury crisis, which has severely impacted the team's defensive lineup. With key players Alessandro Buongiorno, Amir Rrahmani, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Mathias Olivera sidelined, Conte's options are limited, prompting him to ask reporters for ideas on how to navigate this challenging situation.

Injury Update:

Defensive Line:

• Alessandro Buongiorno (central defender) - unavailable due to injury
• Amir Rrahmani (central defender) - injured while on national duty
• Leonardo Spinazzola (left-back) - muscular problems
• Mathias Olivera (left-back) - muscular issues

Other Absences:

• Giovanni Di Lorenzo (captain and right-back) - suspended due to red card in the opening Champions League match against Manchester City

Conte might consider switching formations from two to three at the back, but with only two available centre-backs, this would require some risk. He's even open to unconventional options, such as playing Eljif Elmas as a full-back. With Napoli facing Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, Conte's team will need to dig deep to overcome the injury crisis and lack of rest, having played against AC Milan just a few days after Sporting's match against Estoril.

🎙️ Conte: "Sporting are a top-quality team. We must prove we're up to the task"

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— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) September 30, 2025

“It's inevitable that when problems arise in one sector managing everything becomes more difficult. That's what happened to us,” Conte told reporters ahead of Wednesday's home match.

“Rrahmani got injured while on national duty, and combined with Buongiorno's injury, we're missing two central defenders.

“Yesterday both Spinazzola and Olivera had individual training sessions. It's inevitable that we'll try to recover them in every possible way, especially because this is a serious emergency.”

“It's inevitable that we'll have to look for a solution. If they're unavailable, we'll need to find one,” Conte said.

“If you have any ideas, give them to me now, not later, because, as someone once said, it's always easier afterwards. If you have any suggestions about changing the formation, I'm open to them.

“We only have two centre backs, so even if we wanted to switch systems, from two to three at the back, we don't have a third. If we have to take a risk, we'll take it. We might even have to consider using (Eljif) Elmas as a full back.”

Napoli's Injury and Suspension Woes

Napoli's troubles deepen as they face Sporting Lisbon without captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, who was suspended after receiving a red card in their opening Champions League match against Manchester City. Di Lorenzo's dismissal in the 21st minute significantly impacted Napoli's chances, and his absence will be felt in the upcoming match. Antonio Conte's team is also grappling with injuries to key defenders, including Alessandro Buongiorno, Amir Rrahmani, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Mathias Olivera, severely limiting his defensive options.

Napoli is set to face Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, with the Portuguese side coming off a strong 4-1 win over Kairat Almaty in their opening match. Meanwhile, Napoli is looking to bounce back from a tough 2-0 loss to Manchester City in their first Champions League game. Coach Antonio Conte has emphasized that this season's Champions League will be more challenging than the previous one, given the team's packed schedule and European commitments.

“I've reiterated that this year we're going to face a very complex, very difficult journey,” Conte said.

“If you're willing to accept that, then accept it, if not, don't. But when the tough times come, someone might say, 'Maybe that fool actually said something worth listening to and it was underestimated.'”

Key Challenges for Napoli:

Injury and Suspension Woes: Napoli will be without captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo due to suspension, as well as several key defenders, including Alessandro Buongiorno, Amir Rrahmani, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Mathias Olivera, who are all nursing injuries.

Defensive Concerns: With their defensive lineup severely depleted, Conte might consider switching formations or relying on unconventional options, such as Eljif Elmas at full-back.

Sporting Lisbon's Momentum:

Strong Start: Sporting Lisbon has begun the season on a high note, with six wins from seven league matches and a convincing 4-1 victory over Kairat Almaty in the Champions League opener.

Attacking Prowess: Luis Suarez and Francisco Trincao have been in excellent form, with Suarez scoring crucial goals, including the winner against Estoril in the league.