Napoli manager Antonio Conte faces defensive selection dilemmas ahead of the team's crucial Serie A match against Como this weekend, with summer signing Sam Beukema reportedly pushing for a starting role. According to reports from Italy, the 27-year-old Dutch defender is now considered a direct competitor to left-back Mathías Olivera for a place in the starting eleven, a development that highlights Conte's ongoing search for his optimal defensive configuration.
Conte is preparing a squad that has rediscovered its form and is now within touching distance of Champions League qualification. With four key players—captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leo Vergara, David Neres, and Romelu Lukaku—all facing late fitness tests, the manager's final decisions will be heavily influenced by the results of the team's final tactical training session. The primary battleground for places appears to be on the left flank, where Olivera's position is under threat.
While Olivera, a natural left-footer, has shown adaptability by playing on the right side, the emergence of Beukema as a viable alternative provides Conte with a different tactical profile. Beukema, who joined Napoli from AZ Alkmaar, is known for his physical strength and aerial prowess, offering a more robust defensive option. On the opposite side, Juan Manuel Gutierrez is reportedly in pole position to retain his spot after a strong performance against Cremonese, suggesting a degree of continuity on one wing amidst the uncertainty on the other.
The final lineup choices will carry significant weight as Napoli enters the final stretch of the season. A victory against Como would solidify their hold on a top-four place, with Juventus, Roma, and Como themselves all vying for the remaining Champions League qualification spots. Conte's willingness to consider Beukema over the established Olivera indicates a meritocratic approach based on training performances and specific tactical needs for each match.
This internal competition reflects the depth Conte has sought to build within the squad following his arrival. Beukema’s integration and push for minutes is a positive sign for the club's defensive resources, providing the manager with multiple solutions as the pressure intensifies. The decisions made for the Como fixture will offer the clearest indication yet of Conte's preferred defensive hierarchy heading into the season's decisive final weeks.
