A high-stakes Champions League showdown awaits at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday night, as Napoli and Chelsea lock horns on the final matchday of the league phase with qualification still hanging in the balance.
For Napoli boss Antonio Conte, the occasion carries extra significance against his former employers. The Italian champions find themselves down in 25th place and know that only a win will give them a realistic chance of extending their European campaign into the knockout playoffs. Chelsea, meanwhile, also have everything to play for, as victory in Naples could secure them a coveted top-eight finish and automatic passage to the last 16.
Napoli arrive into this decisive encounter on the back of a bruising week. Conte’s side were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Serie A, a result that left them nine points adrift of leaders Inter Milan and further dented confidence.
That setback came just days after a frustrating Champions League draw away to Copenhagen, where Napoli failed to capitalise on playing against 10 men for over an hour following Thomas Delaney’s dismissal. Scott McTominay had put the Partenopei ahead before the break, but Jordan Larsson’s equaliser ensured the Italians remained outside the top 24 places heading into the final round.
Despite sitting level on eight points with four other clubs, Napoli’s inferior goal difference leaves them on the brink. However, there is genuine belief that the Maradona can once again provide the spark they need. Napoli have taken seven points from a possible nine at home in the league phase and boast an impressive European record against English opposition, with eight wins from 11 such matches.
Chelsea are familiar with the challenges of playing in Naples. Their last visit dates back 14 years, when a 3-1 defeat left them staring at elimination before a dramatic turnaround at Stamford Bridge propelled them towards their first-ever Champions League triumph. While none of the current Chelsea squad were involved in that famous run, the fixture still carries historical weight.
The Blues travel to Italy in strong spirits after what many consider their best performance under Liam Rosenior. Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace extended Chelsea’s winning run to three matches in all competitions and marked four wins from their last five since Enzo Maresca’s departure.
That said, Europe on Italian soil has rarely been kind to Chelsea. The Londoners have won just two of their 13 European away games in Italy, losing eight, and six of their last seven such trips have ended in defeat. December’s 2-1 loss to Atalanta is the latest reminder of their struggles on the road.
Chelsea have not won an away Champions League match since October 2022, and another slip-up could see them dragged into the unseeded playoff positions, depending on results elsewhere. With eight teams currently on 13 points, the margins are fine, and the pressure is unmistakable.
Injuries & Suspensions
Napoli welcomed Romelu Lukaku back at the weekend after a lengthy absence, but the Belgian is not expected to start against his former club. Rasmus Hojlund is set to spearhead the attack instead.There are concerns in goal, with Vanja Milinkovic-Savic struggling with a muscle issue, meaning Alex Meret could make his first Champions League appearance since March 2024. Conte is also dealing with a long injury list, including Kevin De Bruyne, Frank Anguissa, Billy Gilmour, Matteo Politano, David Neres and Amir Rrahmani. January signing Giovane is unavailable due to registration issues.
McTominay has been Napoli’s standout performer in Europe, scoring four of their seven goals, and the Scotland international is once again expected to play a key role.
Chelsea’s attacking output in the Champions League has been more evenly spread. Joao Pedro has just one European goal despite strong domestic form, while Estevao Willian and Moises Caicedo lead the way in the competition.
Cole Palmer remains a major doubt after missing the weekend win over Palace with a thigh problem, and Rosenior has suggested he will not risk any player who is not fully fit. Romeo Lavia is still sidelined, while Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Dario Essugo are ruled out. Reece James’ minutes will also be carefully managed after his recent return.
Possible starting lineups
Napoli:Meret; Di Lorenzo, Jesus, Buongiorno; Spinazzola, Lobotka, McTominay, Gutierrez; Vergara, Elmas; Hojlund
Chelsea:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Badiashile, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Pedro Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
Expert Prediction
Napoli 1-1 Chelsea
