Following injuries to Matteo Politano and Amir Rrahmani, Cristian Stellini, assistant to Antonio Conte, has called on Napoli for reinforcements. “We need additional players. If some are not being utilized, there is a reason for it…” he stated.
The Partenopei have been under pressure after three successive draws against Verona, Inter, and Parma, causing them to slip in the standings and drift further from the top teams.
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Stanislav Lobotka’s early strike helped Napoli secure a victory against Sassuolo, marking the midfielder’s first goal in over three years, though it came at a significant cost.
Stellini Issues Warning About Napoli’s Injury Crisis
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Cristian Stellini, SSC Napoli’s vice coach, during the Serie A match against US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 17, 2026. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Eljif Elmas left the pitch feeling dizzy, and more concerningly, both Rrahmani and Politano exited with muscle injuries, with Politano unable to be substituted during stoppage time due to having already used up all available substitutions.
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“Elmas was feeling dizzy, likely due to flu symptoms, so it’s not an injury, but we’ll assess both Politano and Rrahmani over the next few days,” said Stellini during an interview with DAZN Italia.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Matteo Politano of SSC Napoli injured during the Serie A clash with US Sassuolo Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 17, 2026. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“While we celebrate the victory, we recognize it’s a tough situation for the team, and we’re unsure how much longer we can maintain this pace. Player numbers are dwindling, and the schedule is dense,” Stellini remarked.
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“It seems that Napoli is the only club facing nine matches in January. The scheduling has been poorly managed, especially with the Supercoppa Italiana adding up to nine games in just 28 days.”
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 14: Antonio Conte SSC Napoli head coach observing from the stands during the Serie A match against Parma Calcio 1913 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 14, 2026. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Conte, serving a two-match suspension for dissent during the previous 2-2 draw with Inter, continued to watch from the stands.
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“The players are mentally sharp, they battle and maintain good performance levels. However, physically it’s tough to compete with only 72 hours between games.”
In light of the ongoing injury crisis, Napoli’s options for squad rotation are severely limited, missing key players such as David Neres, Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour, and Alex Meret.
In a rare move, youth academy graduate Antonio Vergara earned his first start just a day after celebrating his 23rd birthday.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 17: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli competes for the ball against Tarik Muharemovic of US Sassuolo Calcio during the Serie A match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 17, 2026. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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“We are short on players, and a discussion with the club is essential,” Stellini added, echoing Conte’s sentiments. “We likely need new recruits immediately.”
Could this lead to the sale of players who have been sidelined even during this crisis? “That’s a possibility; if players aren’t used, there’s a reason,” he replied. “We must increase our numbers, or we’ll have to rely on the youth academy. While we have sufficient options in defense, we’re struggling to rotate in midfield and attack. We anticipate David Neres’ return soon, but the timelines for the other players are uncertain.”
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“We require additional players; the coach and club will evaluate the situation. The pressure is mounting with so many matches ahead. This isn’t just a matter of choices—it’s a numbers game. Something needs to change, and plans are being formulated.”
With crucial fixtures looming, Napoli faces FC Copenhagen in a must-win Champions League match before going up against Juventus led by Luciano Spalletti in Serie A next week.