Napoli vs Chelsea

The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples is the center of the footballing world tonight, Wednesday, January 28, 2026. Napoli hosts Chelsea in a high-stakes finale that will determine the European fate of both clubs. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT (21:00 CET / 15:00 ET).

The narrative is dripping with drama: Antonio Conte faces his former club with his current side’s survival on the line. Napoli currently sits in 25th place (8 points) and must win to leapfrog into the top 24 for the knockout playoffs. Chelsea, resurgent under boss Liam Rosenior, sits in 8th place (13 points) and needs a victory to guarantee they bypass the playoffs and head straight to the Round of 16.

Match Information

Napoli: Conte’s Survival Mission

Reigning Serie A champions Napoli have endured a nightmare European campaign. After a demoralizing 1–1 draw with 10-man Copenhagen and a 3–0 domestic loss to Juventus, Conte’s men are under immense pressure to avoid a humiliating league-phase exit.

Team News and Selection:

• Injury Crisis: Napoli is missing up to 11 players. Key absences include Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and winger David Neres (ankle surgery).

• Goalkeeping Blow: First-choice keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is out with a hamstring injury, meaning Alex Meret will start under the bar.

• The Forward Hope: Despite Romelu Lukaku’s presence in the squad, Rasmus Højlund is expected to lead the line, supported by Scott McTominay, who has been Napoli's primary set-piece threat.

• Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Juan Jesus; Spinazzola, Lobotka, McTominay, Olivera; Vergara, Elmas; Højlund.

Chelsea: The Rosenior Revolution

Since taking the reins, Liam Rosenior has transformed Chelsea into a disciplined, possession-heavy unit. The Blues arrive in Naples on a three-match winning streak, including a clinical 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace.

Team News and Selection:

• The Palmer Boost: After a minor thigh strain, Cole Palmer has traveled with the squad and is confirmed available, though he may be used as a high-impact substitute.

• Defensive Absences: Chelsea remains without Levi Colwill (knee), Tosin Adarabioyo (hamstring), and Dario Essugo. Mykhaylo Mudryk remains unavailable due to a doping suspension.

• The "Estevão" Factor: Brazilian sensation Estevão Willian has been the spark of late, coming off a goal-scoring performance against Palace.

• Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Neto, Enzo Fernández, Estevão; Joao Pedro.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Historical Battle: This is their first meeting since the legendary 2012 Round of 16 clash where Chelsea overturned a 3–1 first-leg deficit to eventually win the tournament.

• Home Fortress: Napoli has not lost a Champions League match at the Stadio Maradona since December 2024 (W18, D7).

• The "Italian Hoodoo": Chelsea has struggled on Italian soil, losing seven of their last nine European away games against Serie A opposition.

• Goal Trends: Napoli has conceded nine of their 12 league-phase goals after half-time this season.

Tactical Analysis and Prediction

Conte will likely set Napoli up to absorb pressure and punish Chelsea on set-pieces, where McTominay has been lethal this term. However, their depleted midfield faces a gargantuan task against the Caicedo-Fernández axis.

Chelsea’s challenge is to manage the intimidating atmosphere in Naples. If Rosenior’s side can maintain their composure and exploit Napoli's tired legs in the second half—a recurring theme for the Italians—they should find the breakthrough. However, with Conte’s back against the wall at home, a cagey affair is likely.

Final Score Prediction: Napoli 1–1 Chelsea