Napoli will face Legia Warsaw without Victor Osimhen, Lorenzo Insigne, Fabian Ruiz, and Kostas Manolas due to minor injuries, while Mario Rui is suspended. Luciano Spalletti does not want the absences to be an alibi: “We have a deep squad that allows us to replace those who have played more if necessary. We came here to try to win the game. We care about Europa League, and we know it will be a difficult match.”
Spalletti was asked whether his linchpins would be available if it were a Serie A game: “It is a sum of evaluations, and it does not hinge only on that. Insigne did not play Sunday. He has a sore muscle. We are doing some tests on him. Others deserve to play too. Those who stayed home were at risk.”
Napoli will again have to cope without Osimhen: “Dries Mertens had a subpar game versus Salernitana for his standards. I think he can fill the box with the help of Piotr Zielinski, whose form is improving and so he can cut better now. But Andrea Petagna and Elijf Elmas can serve as reference points in that area too.”
Spalletti concluded: “The fact that some have not played much so far is not concerning. I worry about what face they make when they are selected. Everybody has gotten minutes. There is a 50/50 chance to be deployed with the five subs. That is important to turn games around and keep everybody happy. It is an important thing. We have a strong side, and the only way to show that is to win. Juan Jesus is a very muscular player with great stamina. He will be ready for any role as it is hard to find a flaw in him.”