Inter Milan’s team is going through a period of uncertainty with a last-minute injury to its captain, Lautaro Martinez. The Argentine player trained alone in the gym due to a back problem, missing the sessions with his teammates. This jeopardizes his participation in the next Champions League match against Ajax Amsterdam, a major challenge for the team and for the start of the season under the leadership of the Romanian technician. Martinez’s potential absence has already alerted observers, suggesting possible collaboration between Thuram and another player at the centre of the attack.

Naples coach Antonio Conte is known for his meticulous approach and constant desire for improvement. He considers the match against Manchester City a crucial moment of the season, and he is determined to avoid the mistakes of the past, including the relaxation at the end of the game. Conte analyzed videos of the last matches of the opposing team, especially those where players have lost intensity, and gave clear instructions to its players to stay focused and avoid being overwhelmed by pressure. His goal is to see Naples play an aggressive and varied football, just as he does in Serie A.

The Naples summer mercato was marked by the search for reinforcements, with several players being envisaged to strengthen the team of Antonio Conte. The sports director Manna had initially targeted Giorgio Scaivini, but the financial requirements of Atalanta made the operation difficult. Finally, Naples turned to Sam Beukema, a Dutch defender who quickly joined the team and scored in his first match against Fiorentina. Its arrival is seen as a valuable addition to the defensive strength of Naples.