Napoli vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Napoli have never progressed beyond the quarter-finals in UEFA’s top competition but are determined to break new ground this season under Antonio Conte. Yet, their journey has been far from smooth so far, with three points [1W, 0D, 2L] garnered to sit in the 23rd spot. Conte’s men opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City. They responded with a narrow home victory over Sporting Lisbon but were handed a sobering 6-2 defeat by PSV Eindhoven on Matchday 3—their heaviest ever in European competition. Domestically, Napoli have steadied themselves. Recent victories over Inter Milan and Lecce saw them reclaim the top spot in Serie A before being held to a goalless draw by Como last weekend. Their record at home remains formidable—only one defeat in their last 18 UCL games at the Maradona [11W, 6D, 1L]. Moreover, they have scored in 30 of their last 31 home fixtures in this competition. Gli Azzurri's previous encounter with Frankfurt offers further confidence. When the sides met in the 2022/23 UCL Round of 16, the Partenopei triumphed home and away without conceding, extending Frankfurt’s losing streak against Italian sides to three [LLL]. A repeat performance would go a long way in restoring belief after the Eindhoven debacle. Conte will, however, be forced to make adjustments. Lorenzo Lucca is suspended, while midfielder Billy Gilmour remains a doubt, as Romelu Lukaku is ruled out. A 4—3—3 formation is expected with Matteo Politano, Rasmus Højlund and David Neres up front.

For Frankfurt, the trip to Naples comes at a delicate time. Die Adler, who finished a remarkable third in the Bundesliga last term, have struggled for consistency this season [DLWLD]. A 1-1 draw with bottom-placed Heidenheim over the weekend followed a DFB-Pokal exit on penalties to Borussia Dortmund, and they now sit sixth domestically. Defensive issues have plagued Dino Toppmöller’s side, who have conceded 25 goals in their last eight matches, including consecutive 5-1 Champions League defeats to Atletico Madrid and Liverpool. Though their attack remains lively — Frankfurt have scored at least twice in eight of 14 outings this term — their openness at the back could prove costly against a ruthless Napoli. Oscar Højlund misses out through injury, while Can Uzun remains a doubt. A 3—4—2—1 pattern is expected with Jonathan Burkardt starting upfront.