Giovanni Di Lorenzo is back in Napoli's squad for Saturday's Serie A trip to Como, providing a timely boost as the club's long injury crisis eases. With only David Neres, Antonio Vergara and Romelu Lukaku still sidelined, Antonio Conte has more options — the main selection headache now is the right-side defensive spot between Sam Beukema and Matias Olivera.
Di Lorenzo returns as Napoli land in Como ahead of Serie A clash
Napoli arrived in Como ahead of Saturday's Week 35 fixture at Stadio Sinigaglia, kick-off 17.00 UK time (18.00 CEST). Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo stepped off the team flight after three months out, back in contention following the knee injury he suffered in the 2-1 win over Fiorentina on January 31.
Immediate impact: leadership and stability
Di Lorenzo has featured 32 times for Napoli this season, contributing one goal and three assists. His return is not just about numbers: as captain he brings leadership and tactical balance to Antonio Conte’s back line, especially important in the high-pressure run-in of Serie A.
Squad picture: injuries largely cleared
The broader injury crisis that has plagued Napoli all season is finally easing. The only confirmed absentees are David Neres, Antonio Vergara and Romelu Lukaku, leaving Conte with a near-full roster for the trip to Como. That depth changes how Conte can rotate and manage minutes across a congested schedule.
Defensive selection: Beukema or Olivera?
The standout selection question is the right-side role in the defensive unit, chiefly between Sam Beukema and Matias Olivera. Juan Jesus, who had been Conte’s first-choice in the back three for a spell, has slid down the pecking order. Conte now faces a tactical choice that will influence Napoli’s balance between solidity and width.
What this means for Napoli’s Serie A ambitions
Di Lorenzo’s availability restores a familiar axis along the back and gives Conte more tactical flexibility. For a team managing form, fatigue and expectations, having the captain fit is a strategic advantage — it allows more controlled substitutions and clearer leadership on the pitch. Napoli can afford to be more measured in how they chase points in the closing fixtures.
What to watch vs Como
Watch how Conte integrates Di Lorenzo: immediate return to the starting XI would signal trust in his match fitness and a desire to stabilize the defence. If introduced from the bench, his role will likely be to shore up a lead or inject calm control. The Beukema–Olivera decision will also reveal whether Conte prioritises defensive aggression or wider coverage on the right.
Conclusion
Di Lorenzo’s return is a timely morale and tactical boost for Napoli as they travel to Como.
With most injuries resolved, Conte’s selection choices — not least at right-side defence — will determine whether Napoli can convert renewed depth into consistent results in the Serie A run-in.
Football Italia
