"In this match and the return leg, we're playing for something important." Carlo Ancelotti does not hide himself, at least not when speaking about the importance of his azzurri's upcoming match against Jesse Marsch's FC Red Bull Salzburg squad. When speaking about his expected starters, though, Ancelotti keeps his cards close to his chest. "Lozano feels well, Milik will have space like always when he's healthy. I've already decided who will start, but I won't tell you."
A large part of the squad, though, has been announced. Meret will be in goal, with Malcuit, Koulibaly, Manolas and now Di Lorenzo on defense, given the lack of availability from Mario Rui and Ghoulam. Callejon and Allan are certainties in midfield, but next to them could be Fabián in the middle and Insigne on the left, with the Mertens-Lozano duo to lead the 4-4-2 attack, as the Mexican attacker has newly found confidence. Milik is expected to start on the bench, even though he scored twice last Saturday.
It's a similar discussion for Jesse Marsch, who tried to keep his line-up unknown prior to the match against Sturm Graz. For his team, Stankovic will be in goal, with Kristensen and Ulmer on the sides of the defense, Romalho and Wober in the middle. Minamino and Szoboszlai will try to deepen the wings, with Junuzovic in the middle of the midfield. His partner is unclear, but Mwapu is the favorite to start. Hwang-Haland will lead the attack, even though Daka is a solid alternative to the South Korean. Below are the expected line-ups:
Salzburg (4-4-2): Stankovic, Kristensen, Ramalho, Wober, Ulmer; Minamino, Junuzovic, Mwepo, Szoboszlai; Hwang, Håland.
Napoli (4-4-2): Meret, Malcuit, Koulibaly, Manolas, Di Lorenzo; Callejon, Allan, Fabián, Insigne; Lozano, Mertens.
