Serie A 2025-2026: Napoli-Bologna, the likely lineups

The 36th day of the championship concludes tonight at 8:45 p.m. at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium with the challenge between Napoli and Bologna. Antonio Conte’s Azzurri take the field with one goal in mind, to win the three points to secure second place and obtain the arithmetic certainty of qualification for the next Champions League. In addition to the European goal, Conte can smile for the return of captain Di Lorenzo from the first minute after a long stop. On the other hand, Vincenzo Italiano’s Bologna arrives in Naples with the desire to redeem the defeat in the Super Cup final precisely against the partenopei, trying to spoil the hosts’ party and close in the best way a season so far below expectations. Compounded by the victories of the direct pursuers, Napoli has no chance to make a mistake if it wants to defend the second position and fend off any assault from the direct pursuers.

Conte lines up his best eleven to consolidate the place for the next Champions League. In front of Milinkovic-Savic, the three-man line is led by Rrahmani and Buongiorno with the return of Di Lorenzo. In midfield, Lobotka-McTominay will act as a filter while Politano and Gutierrez will move to the outside lanes. In the three-quarter, Kevin De Bruyne and Alisson Santos will act behind the lone forward Hojlund.

Italian takes the field with a more balanced team. With Lucumí leading the defense, the midfield duo of Ferguson and Freuler will be tasked with dictating the tempo and managing the game. Up front, on the three-quarter, the trio composed of Orsolini, Rowe and the experience of Bernardeschi will act in support of Castro, with the goal of giving opponents no points of reference.

The likely lineups

Napoli (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic Savic; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Politano, Lobotka, McTominay, Gutierrez; De Bruyne, Alisson Santos; Hojlund. All. Conte.

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Pessina; Joao Mario, Helland, Lucumí, Miranda; Ferguson, Freuler; Orsolini, Bernardeschi, Rowe; Castro. All. Italiano.