Napoli will touch down at the Bluenergy Stadium on Monday to take on relegation-battling Udinese in a high-stakes Serie A showdown, with their European aspirations on the line. As per Sky Sport Italia, Francesco Calzona’s team might have to do it without standout winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
With only four rounds left, every game is a must-win for Napoli from now on if they’re to secure a berth in major European competition next term. A dramatic 2-2 Derby del Sole draw against Roma left last season’s champions in Serie A mid-table, five points adrift of seventh-placed Lazio.
That means Napoli can’t afford a slip-up in Udine. Calzona needs all hands on deck, but chances are Kvaratskhelia will not be there to help. The Georgia international has sustained a thigh injury and will have to undergo further checks before being cleared good to go. Unfortunately for Partenopei, he’s more likely to be rendered unavailable than fit.
As if that’s not damaging enough, Napoli could take this trip without three more first-team stars. Juan Jesus and Matteo Politano trained separately from the group on Saturday, casting doubt on their availability. The former’s absence could be a substantial problem as Amir Rrahmani can’t feature on Monday due to suspension.
Piotr Zielinski was on the sidelines last weekend. The outgoing Napoli midfielder will probably stay home, opening space for Jens Cajuste to slot in as he did against Roma. Given Partenopei’s long-standing struggles on the road, Kvaratskhelia’s injury was the last thing Calzona needed ahead of this pivotal trip.
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