Jurgen Klopp’s team have reached the final of this competition three times in the last five seasons, lifting the trophy in Madrid in 2019 but losing two finals to Real Madrid in 2018 and 2022. Liverpool have faced Napoli four times during that period, winning only once, and losing both visits to the cavernous Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, formerly the San Paolo. Carlo Ancelotti masterminded both of those Napoli victories and also got the better of Liverpool in Paris in May. Napoli are now managed by Luciano Spalletti, and finished third above Juventus in Serie A last season. There have been changes on the pitch this summer with Kalidou Koulibaly sold to Chelsea and Dries Mertens saying goodbye after nine years in Italy. Arrivals have been lower profile, but there is a familiar face for Premier League fans with former Fulham man Andre Zambo Anguissa added to midfield. They are unbeaten five league games into the new season, conceding four goals. Liverpool are still contending with some injury problems, with Jordan Henderson pulling his hamstring in the win over Newcastle and Fabio Carvalho picking up a knock at the weekend. Ibrahima Konate is expected back after the international break but Thiago Alcantara has returned to training. Klopp explained: “Thiago is back in training, the second day today, he’s ready. For how long, we’ll see. Hendo, the results of the scan show after the international break he’ll be back.” There is a chance for Liverpool to set a new club record by winning their seventh consecutive European away game. Ajax and Rangers are the other two teams in a tasty group, and play in the early kick-off this evening. Full team news on the way shortly.
