"Let's not forget the permutations: After edging past Pafos last week, Chelsea hold the final top-eight place but face a difficult trip to Antonio Conte's Napoli, despite the Italian champions' injury problems. A win in Naples should put Liam Rosenior's side through to the last 16 but it may come down to goal difference. A draw or a defeat and, again, given the number of teams on 13 points, Chelsea would likely be condemned to the playoffs."
"Antonio Conte was a popular Chelsea manager, and then he was no longer Chelsea manager. That's the way it's always gone during his coaching career, from Juventus to Italy to Chelsea to Inter to Tottenham (!?) and now Napoli, the trajectory is similar. There's usually a kick against the suits and then a departure. Another constant is a ruinous record in Europe despite being such a capable coach."
Chelsea head to Naples requiring a win to secure progression to the Champions League last 16; a draw or defeat would likely leave them relying on goal difference or sent to playoffs. Chelsea hold the final top-eight spot after edging past Pafos but face a difficult away trip to Antonio Conte's Napoli, who have injury issues despite being Serie A champions. Cole Palmer does not start and Raheem Sterling did not travel. Romelu Lukaku is named among Napoli's substitutes against his former club. Napoli's starting XI includes Meret, Buongiorno, Juan Jesus, McTominay and Olivera. Conte's managerial pattern combines domestic success with inconsistent European results.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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