Lobotka injury leaves Napoli with three ways to rebuild midfield for Juventus

Napoli go to Juventus without knowing whether Lobotka will play. The holding midfielder was stretchered off after 17 minutes at the U-Power Stadium, Monza's ground, and Gilmour replaced him.

"We fear we've lost him for a while"

The number 68 is doubtful for Juventus-Napoli at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday 1 November, kick-off 20:45 CET (19:45 UK, 14:45 ET). Napoli have players who could stand in for him. None of them plays like him.

Lobotka keeps the ball under pressure and dribbles his way out of tight spaces. Napoli have conceded 11 league goals in 9 games, so their playmaker does more than start moves. He stops them losing the ball in front of their own box. Whoever replaces him will make the biggest difference in defence.

Gilmour: the natural fit, at a different tempo

The first option is the former Brighton man, the only player in the squad built to sit at the base of midfield. He played almost the whole match at Monza in that role. But Gilmour is not Lobotka. He likes the long ball and the quick forward pass more than short build-up play, and he moves differently without the ball. The midfield would keep its shape but play at a different pace. It is the safest choice, and the one most in keeping with how this team has played so far.

Anguissa and McTominay: power, and the Roma warning

The second option has been tried already, against Roma. There is no traditional playmaker. Anguissa and McTominay screen the defence and De Bruyne creates everything behind the striker. On paper it is Napoli at their most physical and most dangerous with late runs into the box. Against Roma, Anguissa scored with an overhead kick and McTominay got two.

But that night ended badly. McTominay's goal on 48 minutes made it 2-0. Soulé pulled one back on 69 and Balerdi equalised on 74. Napoli went 3-2 up on 83, then Balerdi made it 3-3 on 89. A muscular midfield that lets in three at home is not a shield. Using it again in Turin, against Juventus, would be a bet on De Bruyne's talent rather than a move for balance.

Marianucci: the long shot

The third option is the least likely: Marianucci in front of the back four. The former Empoli defender started his career in midfield before he was moved back, and he and Rrahmani have just signed new deals to 2029. It would be a true emergency measure, and the defence is already in an emergency. Badiashile and Spinazzola are out, and Buongiorno has had knee surgery on his meniscus and is expected back in January. Moving a centre-back into midfield would only shift the problem from one line to the other.

Our view is simple. For weeks the fans have asked for a Napoli that is braver going forward and tighter at the back, and no single setup gives them both. Gilmour brings order. Anguissa and McTominay bring goals and risk. At Monza, the second half showed this team can attack, but the twelve shots they allowed Monza show they still cannot defend.

Allegri will be in the stands, serving the second match of his ban, so the decision falls to Landucci on the bench at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday at 20:45. Then Porto come on Wednesday 4 November.