Napoli’s Serie A title defense is rapidly becoming a salvage operation, compounded by a persistent injury crisis and the ongoing struggles of Romelu Lukaku to regain his form. While a late penalty secured a 3-1 victory over Giugliano on , the performance highlighted the precarious position coach Antonio Conte finds himself in.
Lukaku, who returned to full team training in after a lengthy thigh injury sustained during pre-season, played the entire match against Giugliano – a positive sign, according to reports. However, his limited impact and the fact he’s only recently regained full fitness are raising concerns. Conte himself has acknowledged the situation, stating he’s “never seen a situation like this anywhere in the world,” with only 13 outfield players currently available. He estimates Lukaku currently has “at most 15 minutes in his legs.”
The Belgian international’s injury, which occurred during a pre-season friendly, sidelined him for months and forced Napoli to seek potential replacements. Tolu Arokodare, the Nigerian striker currently at Genk, emerged as a key target. Napoli reportedly made contact with Arokodare’s camp as they urgently sought cover for Lukaku. Arokodare had enjoyed a successful season in Belgium, finishing as the Jupiler Pro League’s top scorer and receiving the Ebony Shoe award. Despite his desire for a move, no concrete offer materialized, and he began the current season on the bench, with Genk opting for Oh as their primary striker.
The search for a Lukaku alternative also included Rasmus Højlund of Manchester United, identified as Napoli’s top priority, though his acquisition was deemed difficult. The situation underscores the depth of Napoli’s reliance on Lukaku and the challenges they face in finding a suitable replacement, even temporarily.
Napoli’s struggles extend beyond Lukaku’s fitness. As of , a significant number of players were sidelined, including Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour, David Neres, Matteo Politano, Amir Rrahmani, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. This extensive injury list has severely hampered Conte’s ability to field a consistent and competitive lineup.
The team’s recent form reflects these difficulties. Their Champions League exit following a 3-2 home defeat to Chelsea on was a significant blow, and they are now nine points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan. While a less demanding schedule might offer some respite, Conte’s primary concern remains the availability of players and Lukaku’s gradual return to full match fitness.
The victory over Giugliano, secured by a penalty in the 95th minute, offered a momentary reprieve, but it did little to mask the underlying issues. The match also saw positive signs for Conte, with Lukaku completing the full 90 minutes, a crucial step in his recovery. However, the reliance on a late penalty to secure the win highlights the team’s vulnerability and the need for greater attacking potency.
The situation is further complicated by the broader competitive landscape. Inter Milan and AC Milan are both mounting strong challenges for the Serie A title, increasing the pressure on Napoli to find a solution to their injury crisis and Lukaku’s slow reintegration. Fiorentina, currently struggling in 18th place, present a difficult test on Saturday, and Napoli will need to demonstrate resilience and tactical flexibility to secure a positive result.
Conte’s assessment of the situation is stark. He acknowledges the unprecedented number of injuries and the limited minutes available to Lukaku. The coach is urging his players to approach each game with courage and determination, focusing on their own performance rather than dwelling on past successes. The coming weeks will be critical for Napoli as they attempt to stabilize their season and salvage something from a campaign that has, thus far, fallen far short of expectations.
The club’s hopes now rest on Lukaku’s continued recovery and the potential arrival of reinforcements during the transfer window. Whether Napoli can overcome their current challenges and mount a serious challenge for both domestic and European honors remains to be seen, but the task ahead is undeniably daunting.
