Napoli vs Chelsea

Napoli boast an excellent record against English opposition in UEFA competition at home, winning eight of their last 11 such matches (D1 L2). More broadly, Napoli have lost just one of their last 20 home Champions League fixtures (W12 D7), with the majority of their points in this season’s league phase coming at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Seven of their eight points so far have been collected in Naples, underlining the importance of home advantage. However, recent European form has been mixed. Napoli were held to a 1-1 draw away at Copenhagen on Matchday 7 and have now won only two of their last nine Champions League matches (D3 L4). Consistency has proved elusive, even if their home performances continue to offer encouragement. Sitting in 25th place and right outside the playoff qualifying places, Wednesday’s clash is a must-win for Antonio Conte’s side. There is added intrigue on the touchline, with Conte facing one of his former clubs. The Italian was in charge of Chelsea between 2016 and 2018, enjoying considerable success by winning the Premier League title in his first season and adding the FA Cup in 2017/18. His tactical familiarity with the London club could prove a significant factor. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Rasmus Højlund in attack is expected against Chelsea.

Chelsea arrive in Italy with strong overall European momentum as they look to keep hold of an eighth-place finish at the very least. A 1-0 home victory against Pafos on Matchday 7 was their 16th win in the last 20 UEFA competition matches (D1 L3), underlining their consistency on the continental stage. The Blues have also lost just two of their last 12 Champions League group stage or league phase matches (W8 D2). That said, Chelsea’s historical record away against Italian opposition is far less convincing. They have won only two of their 13 UEFA competition away games against Serie A sides (D3 L8), losing six of the last seven such fixtures. Turning that trend around in Naples would represent a significant statement. Luckily, goals have rarely been an issue for the English side. Chelsea have scored in each of their last 22 European matches and have opened the scoring in their last six. Remarkably, none of their previous 55 UEFA competition fixtures have ended in a goalless draw, suggesting attacking intent is virtually guaranteed. Liam Delap is expected at the attacking end of Chelsea’s 4—2—3—1 formation.