The Kosovo defender is back on the pitch at Castel Volturno as Napoli monitor several key recoveries ahead of the Genoa clash.
Encouraging signs are emerging from Napoli’s training ground. During a joint training session with Giugliano at Castel Volturno, Amir Rrahmani returned to full on-field work, marking a significant step forward for Antonio Conte as he navigates a demanding phase of the season.
Rrahmani had been sidelined since the closing stages of the league match against Sassuolo due to a glute muscle issue, forcing him to miss crucial fixtures against Juventus and Fiorentina in Serie A, as well as European games versus Copenhagen and Chelsea. His absence was felt both defensively and in terms of leadership.
Now, with Napoli preparing for a delicate away trip to Genoa on Saturday evening at Marassi, the defender appears on course to reclaim his starting role. If his physical responses remain positive in the coming sessions, Conte is expected to include him from the opening whistle in a three-man defensive line.
Tactical Decisions Ahead
One of the key questions for Conte concerns Rrahmani’s positioning. The coach must decide whether to deploy him as the central figure in the back three or on the right side, especially given the continued absence of Giovanni Di Lorenzo. In recent matches, Napoli were forced into an improvised setup, even fielding an all-left-footed trio at one stage, with Juan Jesus shifting across the line.
Rrahmani’s versatility offers Conte more balance and tactical flexibility — a crucial factor as Napoli enter the decisive stretch of the campaign, with Champions League qualification, title ambitions, and survival battles all tightening across the table.
The Injury List
Beyond Rrahmani, Napoli’s medical staff continue to monitor several other situations. Vanja Milinković-Savić is currently the closest to a full return, while Pasquale Mazzocchi and Matteo Politano will require further evaluation in the coming days.
Their availability could become clearer ahead of Napoli’s Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Como, scheduled for Tuesday night at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
For now, Conte welcomes back one of his defensive pillars — a timely reinforcement as Napoli push into the most intense and decisive phase of their season.
