Champions League 2025-2026: Napoli-Chelsea, the likely lineups

On Wednesday evening at 9 p.m., the final day of the Champions League championship phase will be staged. In this final act, Antonio Conte’s Napoli will host Chelsea’s English side Chelsea at the Maradona, two teams with different goals but with the same determination to win the 3 points.

The Parthenopeans, coming off a scalding draw in Denmark against Copenhagen, currently hold 25th place, a position not good enough to qualify for the play-offs, and tonight’s match is a decisive crossroads to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the round of 16 and revive a so far up-and-down season. A performance of character will be needed, especially on the mental level, to overcome a tough opponent and regain confidence in front of their public. Napoli will arrive at this match with the usual numerous injuries that are putting a strain on coach Conte’s ability to find alternative solutions. The Lecce coach will still bet on the young Vergara who will act together with Elmas behind the’only point Hojlund.

The Blues definitely experience a different situation in the standings, the current eighth place guarantees the play-offs, but with a victory the Britons can aim for direct access to the round of 16. The Londoners under the leadership of Liam Rosenior, who recently took over, seem to have found more rhythm, as evidenced by some convincing performances, including a convincing 3-1 league win against Crystal Palace, with young talents such as Estevao and Joao Pedro in evidence. The two Brazilians will feature again tonight in the 4-2-3-1 designated by the English coach with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto completing the offensive three-quarter.

Probable Formations

Napoli (3-4-2-1):Meret; Di Lorenzo Buongiorno, Juan Jesus; Spinazzola, Lobotka, McTominay, Olivera; Vergara, Elmas; Hojlund. All. Conte.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Palmer, Estevao, Neto; Joao Pedro. All. Rosenior