Napoli market, list unveiled for Kevin De Bruyne’s replacement

Between injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations, Antonio Conte will face a new emergency in midfield between now and January. And the club plans to strike a remedy by returning to the market.

While waiting for negotiations to open, the Salento coach will have to rely on tactical creativity. One of the options is to dust off the double play, with Billy Gilmour next to Lobotka: an idea already tried out last year, just against Inter, in a 1-1 draw decided by Billing’s flash.

The club is thinking of a new player.

A profile similar to Billing could come in handy for January. Also in the crosshairs is Lorenzo Pellegrini, on his way out of Roma and an old target of Napoli.

The most ambitious track, however, remains that leading to Kobbie Mainoo, a 20-year-old talent from Manchester United. The Azzurri had already tried at the end of August, in parallel with the Hojlund deal, and they could reappear at the Red Devils’ door.