Naples, Italy - Napoli faces a crucial Champions League encounter against Chelsea at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 8:00 PM GMT. The match is pivotal for both teams, with Napoli fighting to keep their knockout hopes alive and Chelsea aiming to secure their place in the round of 16.
Napoli, currently sitting in 25th place, are virtually eliminated with 8 points. A win against Chelsea is essential for Antonio Conte's side to secure a spot in the playoffs. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, and they have slipped to fourth in Serie A after a defeat by Juventus. Their European form has also been poor, with heavy defeats to Manchester City, Benfica and PSV Eindhoven.
Adding to Napoli's woes, they are dealing with financial constraints and a transfer embargo due to failing a financial stress test. This limits their ability to strengthen the squad, hindering Conte's plans. Napoli's president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, is also facing trial for alleged false accounting related to the transfers of Kostas Manolas and Victor Osimhen, creating further instability.
Napoli are expected to line up in a structured 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on organization and second-phase pressure. Scott McTominay has been a key player, scoring crucial goals, while Stanislav Lobotka provides control in midfield. Rasmus Højlund adds pace upfront, but Napoli's attacking output has been modest. A lengthy injury list has further reduced their depth and creativity. Key players like David Neres, Kevin De Bruyne, and Frank Anguissa are sidelined, leaving Napoli reliant on their structure, home intensity, and physical presence. The probable lineup includes Milinkovic-Savic, Beukema, Buongiorno, Juan Jesus, Di Lorenzo, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola, Vergara, Hojlund, and Elmas.
Chelsea, managed by Liam Rosenior, are in a stronger position, sitting eighth in the Champions League table. The Blues have 13 points from their seven European matches. They are aiming for a win to confirm their place in the round of 16 and potentially finish in the top eight. Chelsea are expected to continue with a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlled buildup and territorial dominance. Moisés Caicedo anchors the midfield, while Enzo Fernández adds attacking impact. Estêvão and Pedro Neto offer creativity, with Liam Delap leading the attack.
Chelsea also have injury concerns, with Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Roméo Lavia ruled out. Cole Palmer is doubtful, but Robert Sánchez is set to start in goal. The predicted Chelsea lineup includes Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Fofana, Badiashile, Hato, James, Caicedo, Pedro Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho, and Joao Pedro. Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos will need to avoid a yellow card to prevent a one-match suspension.
Chelsea's recent away record in the Champions League has been poor, adding tension to the match. They have not won away from home in the competition since October 2022. Napoli, on the other hand, have a formidable home record and a strong history against English opposition.
The match is crucial for both sides, and a tight contest is expected. Napoli's urgency and set-piece threat will be countered by Chelsea's patient possession and midfield security. The atmosphere at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona will be intimidating, and early momentum will be crucial.
