Napoli vs Chelsea: A High-Stakes Reunion at the Maradona

Tonight, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona hosts a dramatic conclusion to the Champions League League Phase. This isn't just a battle for points; it’s a high-stakes reunion as Antonio Conte faces his former club. The permutations are razor-sharp: Chelsea sit in 8th place (13 points) and need a win to guarantee automatic entry to the Round of 16. Napoli, shockingly positioned in 25th place, face immediate European elimination unless they secure a victory to leap into the playoff spots.

For Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea, the goal is to avoid the "treacherous" two-legged playoff in February. For Conte, it is about saving a season that has seen the reigning Italian champions struggle to balance domestic and continental duties.

Form Guide: Blues' Momentum vs. Neapolitan Desperation

Chelsea (W-W-W-L-W): The Blues arrive in Italy in confident form, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions. Their European identity under Rosenior is one of control; they recently set a record with 94.5% passing accuracy in their win over Pafos. However, their Achilles' heel remains Italian soil—Chelsea have won just twice in thirteen previous trips to Italy.

Napoli (L-D-W-D-D): It has been a "sobering" period for the Partenopei. After being demolished 3-0 by Juventus over the weekend, they have slipped to fourth in Serie A. In Europe, they have struggled significantly, losing to Manchester City and Benfica, and most recently surrendering a lead to draw 1-1 with ten-man Copenhagen. They are winless in their last two UCL home games, a streak they must break tonight.

Tactical Key Insights & Build-Up

1. The Conte Trap:

Despite Napoli's poor form, Antonio Conte’s 3-4-2-1 remains a formidable structure at home. Napoli will look to yield possession (where Chelsea excel) and strike through high-intensity second-phase pressure. The strategy will center on Scott McTominay, the club's leading European scorer with four goals, whose late runs into the box and aerial prowess are designed to "bully" a Chelsea midfield that can sometimes be bypassed in transition.

2. Rosenior's Selection Boost:

Chelsea received a major boost with Cole Palmer and goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen both fit enough to travel. The tactical dilemma for Rosenior is whether to start Palmer or use his creative spark off the bench. Expect a 4-2-3-1 where Moisés Caicedo anchors the midfield. The primary objective will be to maintain "territorial dominance" while avoiding the sloppy turnovers that Napoli’s Rasmus Højlund is clinical at punishing.

3. Defensive Absences:

Both sides are missing key defensive pillars. Napoli is grappling with a "significant injury crisis" featuring Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa all sidelined. Chelsea, meanwhile, are without Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Romeo Lavia. This lack of defensive depth suggests a game that will open up significantly in the second half.

Coach Pre-Conference Snapshot

Antonio Conte (Napoli): "We messed up a game we were in control of in Copenhagen. Now, there are no more second chances. Chelsea is a team I know well; they have great quality and a clear identity. We must be perfect at the Maradona to stay in this competition."

Liam Rosenior (Chelsea): "Antonio is a world-class manager who has achieved everything. We respect his team, but we are here to finish the job. A top-eight finish is vital for our season's rhythm. We need to handle the atmosphere and play our game with the same composure we've shown in London."

 Key Players 

• Napoli: Scott McTominay. The Scotsman has become Conte’s "clutch" player in Europe. His physicality and goal-scoring threat from midfield will be the primary test for Chelsea’s defensive concentration.

• Chelsea: Estêvão. The young Brazilian is Chelsea's top scorer in the competition this term. His ability to carry the ball between lines and create 1v1 situations will be vital to stretching Napoli’s back three.