Napoli Weigh Free Agents to Address Left-Back Role

Napoli have lost Mario Rui for multiple matches and are considering onboarding a left-back who’s currently out of contract to fill the void. The Portuguese suffered a medium-grade adductor strain in his right thigh that will sideline him for about a month and a half.

According to Corriere dello Sport, director Mauro Meluso is mulling three names in particular: Marvin Pattehardt, who starred for Hertha Berlin last season, Nico Schulz, who left Borussia Dortmund in the summer, and Denny Rose, who spent a long time at Tottenham but last played more than a year ago.

Despite Walter Mazzarri’s preference for 3-5-2, Napoli will keep using 4-3-3. They have a few in-house options to substitute for Mario Rui. On top of the starter Mathias Olivera, who will see the lion’s share of minutes, Giovanni Di Lorenzo can also feature on the left. Alessandro Zanoli would step in at right-back in that event.

Moreover, central defenders Juan Jesus and Natan have some experience as fullbacks. They are both left-footed.

Our Take on the Napoli Plans Following the Injury to Mario Rui

The physical problem is serious but not massive. He’ll be back by the time a free agent would need to get accustomed to his new surroundings and round into shape. Olivera can be an ironman. Moreover, they have enough alternatives already to get by without signing anybody.