Genoa vs Napoli

After a summer of change in both dugouts, Genoa and Napoli launch the 2026/27 Serie A campaign under the Friday-night lights on 22 August. It is a demanding opening test for Daniele De Rossi’s hosts, who finished 16th last season, and the first competitive look at Massimiliano Allegri’s rebuilt Napoli side following a second-place finish in May.

Team News and Injury Latest

Napoli travel without central defender Luca Marianucci. The former Empoli man suffered a high-grade medial collateral ligament injury in his left knee during the pre-season friendly against Celta Vigo, with the club’s medical statement confirming the damage after scans at the Pineta Grande Hospital. Alessandro Buongiorno is also absent, having undergone surgery on the root of the medial meniscus in his right knee in July and only now beginning rehabilitation. The absences force Allegri to reshuffle his backline for the opener, limiting the options available as he looks to establish a settled defensive unit.

Genoa’s key attacking figure is Lorenzo Colombo, who made his permanent switch from AC Milan after finishing 2025/26 as the club’s top scorer with seven goals. Reports during pre-season noted Swiss midfielder Djibril Sow has joined permanently from Sevilla, while Tommaso Baldanzi is expected to link midfield and attack in tight spaces once the competitive action begins. The hosts are back at full strength in the forward areas, with Colombo’s match-winning goal against Leicester City in preparation offering a reminder of his importance to De Rossi’s plans.