FC København vs Napoli

Following back-to-back 3-2 victories over Kairat Almaty and Villarreal, Copenhagen [LLLWW] have surged into the top-24 places of the UCL league phase with seven points [2W, 1D, 3L]. That run has handed the Danish champions a genuine opportunity to claim three consecutive UCL victories within a single season for the first time in their history, though momentum has been disrupted by a prolonged domestic pause. The hosts have not played a competitive match for over a month, their last outing being a 2-0 Danish Cup win over Esbjerg in mid-December. January began with two friendly draws, but the Løverne’s broader form remains encouraging, having won five of their last seven competitive matches [5W, 0D, 2L]. Strong home performances have underpinned that run, with four victories from their final five home games of 2025 [WWWLW], suggesting Parken Stadium could again provide a platform for progress. This will be the first UEFA competition meeting between Copenhagen and Napoli, though the Løverne’s historical record against Italian opposition offers limited optimism. They have managed just one win from ten such encounters [1W, 3D, 6L], a 2-1 home victory over Lazio during the 2001/02 UCL qualifying rounds. Jacob Neestrup’s side must contend with the absences of Lukas Lerager, Rodrigo Huescas and Magnus Mattsson due to injury. A 4—4—2 setup may be seen with Viktor Claesson and Mohamed Elyounoussi paired up front.

Napoli arrive in Copenhagen knowing their qualification hopes are delicately poised. The Italian champions sit 23rd in the standings on seven points [2W, 1D, 3L] after a damaging 2-0 defeat away to Benfica. While they remain unbeaten in their three home games in the competition [2W, 1D, 0L], their away form has been a major concern. Antonio Conte’s men have lost each of their last five away UCL matches [LLLLL], the longest such streak in the club’s European history, including all three trips this season in which they conceded a worrying ten goals. However, a 1-0 Serie A victory over Sassuolo on Saturday ended a three-game winless run [DDD], offering a timely confidence boost. Napoli’s squad depth is being tested, with Alex Meret, Frank Anguissa and David Neres sidelined. Eljif Elmas, Matteo Politano and Amir Rrahmani remain doubts. Leading the line in a 3—4—2—1 pattern is expected to be former Copenhagen forward Rasmus Højlund.