The Champions League league phase concludes with a high-stakes encounter at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday as Chelsea travel to Naples aiming to secure an automatic place in the Round of 16.
A victory guarantees Liam Rosenior’s side a top-eight finish, allowing them to bypass the play-off round. However, a formidable obstacle awaits in the shape of former manager Antonio Conte. His Napoli side sits perilously in 25th place and requires a win to avoid early elimination. The Blues must also overcome a historically poor record on Italian soil to claim the points. On a positive note, they receive a significant boost with the return of Cole Palmer to the matchday squad.
Napoli vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news
- Date: Wednesday, 28 January 2026
- Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
- Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples
- Referee: Clément Turpin (FRA)
- VAR: Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
- Last Meeting: Chelsea 4–1 Napoli (March 2012), Champions League
Team News
Napoli
Antonio Conte is dealing with a significant injury crisis as he aims to keep Napoli’s campaign alive. Key absences include Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour, and André-Frank Zambo Anguissa. David Neres is also sidelined following surgery, while Matteo Politano and Amir Rrahmani remain out. Despite Romelu Lukaku returning to fitness, Rasmus Højlund is expected to lead the line once again.
Chelsea
Liam Rosenior received a major boost with Cole Palmer and goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen both fit enough to travel. However, the Blues remain without several defensive regulars, including Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Dario Essugo. Romeo Lavia has returned to training but did not make the trip to Naples as his recovery continues. Mykhaylo Mudryk remains unavailable due to a doping suspension.
Form
Napoli
The Italian champions have struggled for consistency and sit just one place outside the play-off spots. Napoli have won just one of their last six matches across all competitions. Notably, the team has lost only one of their last 20 home Champions League matches. Furthermore, all of their goals in the competition this term have been scored by Scott McTominay and Rasmus Højlund.
Chelsea
Chelsea have won four of their five games under Liam Rosenior and recently regained fifth place domestically. Notably, the Blues completed 94.5% of their passes in their last European outing, a record for the club. However, their record in Italy is poor, with six losses in their last seven away games there. Moisés Caicedo remains vital, leading the side for line-breaking passes in the tournament.
Predicted Lineups
Napoli Predicted XI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Juan Jesus; Gutierrez, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Vergara, Elmas; Højlund
Chelsea Predicted XI: Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Estêvão, Fernández, Garnacho; Pedro
How to watch Napoli vs Chelsea?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 4. Coverage is also available for streaming via the discovery+ app.
Read more- Champions League state of play: What every Premier League team needs on final day
See Also- Cole Palmer ‘happy’ at Chelsea amid Man Utd transfer rumours