“Conte’s character” – Gianfranco Zola not ruling Napoli out vs Chelsea despite big injury list

Former Chelsea player Gianfranco Zola has not ruled Napoli out tomorrow night despite the huge injury list they have.

The Blues face Napoli tomorrow night in the league stages of the Champions League, and both teams need a win to keep their UCL hopes alive. Chelsea need to win to get a chance of automatic qualification and avoid having to play extra games in the playoffs in order to get to the knockout rounds of the competition.

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Zola, who played well over 200 games for Chelsea, also played over 100 games for Napoli back in the early 90s, so he will have a real interest in this game and an affiliation with both teams.

Napoli are hit with some big injuries at the moment to many of their first team players, so on paper it looks like a good time to play against them.

Zola on the game

Gianfranco Zola working as a pundit.

“This is a game full of meaning and pressure,” Zola said, via IlNapolista.

“Chelsea are trying to secure a top-eight finish, while Napoli are fighting to get back into the play-off places. That alone tells you how important it is.”

Zola admits the pressure is greater on the Partenopei, who risk elimination if results go against them.

“It’s clear Napoli have more to lose. If they don’t win, they could be out, and it may not even depend only on them. Chelsea, at worst, would still have the play-offs.”

Despite a growing injury list, Zola has not ruled Napoli out.

“They’re missing key players, but I admire how they are facing this moment. Even when they lose, they compete until the end. That reflects Conte’s character, they never give up.”

Asked who could make the decisive impact, Zola pointed to one name.

“These games are won by the team, not individuals. But McTominay has the presence and personality to make the difference. He’s the kind of player who can produce the decisive moment.”