Napoli: Luciano Spalletti to miss Juventus clash amid Covid outbreak

The Napoli manager will not be present on the touchline against Juventus.

Napoli have suffered a Covid outbreak in recent days, with several players and staff members testing positive for the virus. The Partenopei will have to face Juventus in a crucial Serie A game as more cases emerge at the club.

On Wednesday, Napoli announced Luciano Spalletti has also tested positive for COVID-19. The manager joins a long list of cases at the club.

Earlier this week, Napoli announced Mario Rui and Kevin Malcuit had tested positive for the virus. Before that, Hirving Lozano, Victor Osimhen, and Fabian Ruiz had all returned positive tests. André-Frank Anguissa, Kalidou Koulibaly and Adam Ounas will also miss the game due to being away in the AFCON.

📌 Al termine dell’elaborazione di tutti i tamponi odierni è emersa anche la positività al Covid-19 di Luciano Spalletti.
Il Mister è asintomatico e osserverà il periodo di isolamento come da protocollo. pic.twitter.com/ZXm94hul6r
— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) January 4, 2022

Serie A might even decide to postpone the game altogether as Juventus also have several COVID-19 cases. Arthur and Carlo Pinsoglio tested positive for the virus last week, while Giorgio Chiellini returned a positive test on Saturday.

Napoli are third in Serie A, sitting seven points behind leaders Inter. On the other hand, Juventus hope to maintain their pre-holiday form as they remain in the fifth spot.

Following the game against Juventus, Napoli will have to prepare for a league battle against Sampdoria on Sunday. The Partenopei will then face Fiorentina in a Coppa Italia match three days later.