Napoli vs Qarabağ

The Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples will host a Champions League group stage match on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, as Napoli take on Qarabağ. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 GMT, with Napoli aiming to secure a vital victory to strengthen their position in the group.

Napoli are struggling with multiple injuries ahead of this game. Alex Meret is sidelined with a foot issue, Kevin De Bruyne has a thigh injury, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa is out with a muscle complaint. Billy Gilmour, Romelu Lukaku, and Leonardo Spinazzola are also unavailable or doubtful. Qarabağ, by contrast, arrive with a near-full squad, with no major injury or suspension concerns reported.

Antonio Conte is expected to set Napoli up in a 3‑4‑3 formation. The setup relies on wing-backs to provide both width and defensive cover, while Rasmus Højlund leads the attack supported by David Neres. Midfielders like Lobotka and McTominay are expected to control possession, with Elmas playing a more advanced creative role. Qarabağ are likely to adopt a compact shape, emphasizing disciplined defending and quick transitions to exploit Napoli’s temporary vulnerabilities.

Press coverage highlights the challenge Napoli face with their injury crisis. Conte has publicly acknowledged the strain on his squad and emphasized the need for mental resilience. Turkish and Italian outlets alike note that a positive result is critical for Napoli’s chances of progressing in the Champions League. Meanwhile, analysts also caution against underestimating Qarabağ, who have displayed strong organization and the ability to capitalize on opposition mistakes.

Pre-match pundits are divided on the expected outcome. Some argue Napoli’s quality and attacking depth should be enough to claim victory despite the absences, while others suggest Qarabağ could frustrate the hosts and exploit defensive gaps. Observers agree that control of the midfield and limiting turnovers will likely determine which team leaves Naples with the upper hand.