Napoli were left deeply concerned on Saturday night after captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo was forced off with a serious knee injury during their Serie A clash against Fiorentina. The incident occurred in the 26th minute when Di Lorenzo landed awkwardly following a challenge, immediately clutching his knee in pain.
The right back was unable to continue and was stretchered off before being rushed to hospital for further checks, adding to a difficult period for the club that has already endured major setbacks this season, as previously highlighted by SoftFootball during Napoli’s recent European disappointment.
Antonio Conte did little to ease fears after the match, admitting the early signs were worrying. The Napoli coach explained that the injury appeared serious and involved the cruciate ligament, describing the situation as nasty and suggesting Di Lorenzo may have suffered an ACL tear.
His comments, as shared by Fabrizio Romano on his official X account, cast a shadow over the evening and immediately raised concerns about the defender’s availability for the remainder of the campaign.
Fabrizio Romano posted:
Antonio Conte: It seems Giovanni Di Lorenzo has suffered a serious knee injury.
The potential loss of Di Lorenzo would be a huge blow for Napoli, who are already struggling with an injury crisis. Several senior players are sidelined, and Conte openly voiced his frustration about the lack of squad depth, warning that the current situation leaves little margin for error.
The timing is especially difficult as Napoli continue planning for the future, including transfer decisions and squad reinforcement, a topic SoftFootball has explored in relation to the club’s wider plans.
Beyond club football, the injury could also impact Italy’s preparations for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers playoff in March. Di Lorenzo is a regular starter for the national team, and his absence would be a significant setback ahead of the crucial tie against Northern Ireland.
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso now faces the possibility of reshaping his defensive plans if the worst is confirmed. Di Lorenzo is scheduled to undergo detailed instrumental tests at Pineta Grande Hospital in Castel Volturno.
If an ACL rupture is confirmed, recovery is expected to take between six and nine months, effectively ruling him out for the rest of the season. For now, Napoli fans can only wait anxiously for official confirmation, hoping the diagnosis brings better news than first feared.
