Napoli - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Napoli finished last season’s Serie A campaign in second place and will play in the Champions League again. However, there has been a change in the dugout this summer. Antonio Conte left, and Massimiliano Allegri took over, returning to Italy’s top flight after his spell at Milan. Several key players remain in the squad, including Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay, Stanislav Lobotka and captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo. The biggest changes have come in attack, where Romelu Lukaku will be absent.

Allegri in the Napoli dugout

Allegri has signed a contract until 2029. He enjoyed years of success at Juventus, winning the Italian title five times, as well as a league title with Milan. At Napoli, he takes charge of a team that wants to challenge for the Scudetto again after finishing second last season. Allegri’s task is to balance the fans’ high expectations with competing on two fronts. Napoli must pick up points consistently in the league while also preserving its energy for the decisive part of the season.

Højlund in for Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku’s departure for Fenerbahçe is one of the most significant changes to the squad. The Belgian was a key part of the attack, able to hold up the ball under pressure and use his strength in duels with defenders. Rasmus Højlund, whom Napoli signed from Manchester United after his loan spell ended, is set to take his place. The Dane scored 16 goals in all competitions and will be the first-choice striker.

Napoli also decided to make Alisson Santos’s move from Sporting permanent. The Brazilian impressed after joining on loan in the winter, and his pace and ability to take on opponents one-on-one could prove useful on the wing. Lorenzo Lucca has also joined the team after returning from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest. He can provide cover for Højlund if needed, although following the departures of Lukaku and Giovanni Simeone, who moved to Torino, the attacking options look different from a year ago.

New options in defence

Benoît Badiashile has bolstered the defence after joining on loan from Chelsea. The Frenchman has previously played in Ligue 1 and the Premier League, and his physical presence and ability to play out from the back could prove useful. Amir Rrahmani, Sam Beukema and Alessandro Buongiorno remain in the squad, giving Allegri several defenders familiar with Serie A.

The situation in goal has also changed. Napoli made Vanja Milinković-Savić’s move from Torino permanent, and the Serb will compete with Alex Meret for a place in the team. Miguel Gutiérrez, meanwhile, has left the club to join Bayer Leverkusen. Juan Jesus also departed after his contract expired. Costantino Favasuli, signed from Catanzaro, is expected to give the team more options at full-back.

Leaders and a chance for the youngsters

Napoli’s midfield remains one of its greatest strengths. De Bruyne is responsible for creating chances and playing precise passes, McTominay often joins the attack, and Lobotka dictates play in the centre of the pitch. Frank Anguissa and Billy Gilmour are also available to Allegri, giving him players with a variety of qualities.

Di Lorenzo remains one of Napoli’s most important figures. The captain is influential not only on the pitch but also in the dressing room. Leonardo Spinazzola brings experience in defence, while Matteo Politano and David Neres can offer the team more threat on the wings. Antonio Vergara is also hoping to play a bigger role after impressing last season.

The objective remains the same

Napoli wants to challenge for the Italian title again, while its Champions League campaign will put further demands on the squad. Allegri takes over a team with a strong midfield and experienced players, but he has several important decisions to make. It will also be important to see how Napoli adapts to the changes in defence and whether Alisson Santos can maintain the level he showed towards the end of last season.