2020-21 UEFA Europa League – HNK Rijeka vs Napoli Preview

20:56 05/11/2020

Date of the match: Thursday 29th October, 2020 – 20:00 (UK)

Stadium match: Reale Arena, Donostia-San Sebastián

HNK Rijeka possible starting lineup:

Nevistic; Tomecak, Galovic, Velkovski, Escoval, Stefulj; Menalo, Pavicic, Andrijasevic, Loncar; Kulenovic

Napoli possible starting lineup:

Ospina; Hysaj, Maksimovic, Koulibaly, Mario Rui; Demme, Zielinski; Politano, Lobotka, Lozano; Petagna

Napoli boss Gattuso will implement a considerable turnover of playing resources amid a relentless schedule. Nikola Maksimovic could be paired with Kalidou Koulibaly in central defence, as Kostas Manolas drops out, while German midfielder Diego Demme is tipped to start in place of Fabian Ruiz.

Lorenzo Insigne is in contention to return up front, having completed a training session with his teammates on Monday following a recent thigh strain. However, it is likely that the captain will start on the bench, as Stanislav Lobotka and Hirving Lozano are in line to feature in support of ex-SPAL striker Andrea Petagna.

In light of the many possible COVID-19 cases in the squad, Rijeka coach Rozman will need to improvise, though is expected to field a defensive 5-4-1 set-up.

Domagoj Pavicic and Franko Andrijasevic - on loan from Belgian club Gent - would be expected to play wide, with young forward Sandro Kulenovic, scorer of their goal in Alkmaar, as the lone frontman.

However, the possible use of the club's Under-19 team is reportedly now being considered in order to fulfil the minimum UEFA requirement of 12 squad members.