Napoli’s early-season momentum has brought a setback on the right flank, where Costantino Favasuli had begun to offer Massimiliano Allegri an energetic and unpredictable option. The former Catanzaro player suffered a second-degree tear to the rectus femoris in his right thigh while representing Italy Under-21 against Armenia, putting him out for almost two months.
Key takeaways
- Favasuli is expected to be available again only after the November international break.
- The wide player had already registered an assist and made a positive impact from the bench against Bologna and Fiorentina.
- Giovanni Di Lorenzo remains Napoli’s established right-back, while Matteo Politano is the main attacking choice on that side.
- Alex Meret, Leonardo Spinazzola, Luca Marianucci and Giovane are nearing their returns.
- Scott McTominay will undergo a fitness clearance test on Tuesday before any decision on his availability for Frosinone.
An interruption in Favasuli’s rise
The timing is particularly frustrating for Napoli. Favasuli had earned growing consideration within Allegri’s squad rotation, bringing personality and immediate intensity whenever he was introduced. His pace and willingness to attack space had given Napoli a different kind of late-match resource, particularly in a crowded period of fixtures.
His contribution was felt in the match against Bologna, while his arrival during the game in Florence also injected greater liveliness into Napoli’s play. An assist had already underlined his usefulness, and the injury now halts a player whose standing had been improving week by week.
Allegri has established alternatives, but they offer different qualities. Di Lorenzo remains the reference point in the back four, while Politano is first in line in the more advanced role. David Neres is the principal alternative. Neither, however, replicates exactly what Favasuli had supplied when used further forward: direct running, fresh legs and depth beyond the opposition defence. Politano and Neres offer more in individual duels and possession management.
Napoli’s recovery list before Frosinone
Favasuli joins an injury list that is gradually beginning to clear. Meret and Spinazzola are close to returning, with Marianucci and Giovane also moving towards availability.
The next important assessment concerns McTominay. The Scotland international is due to take his sporting fitness test on Tuesday, after which Allegri will decide whether to include him for Frosinone’s visit to the Maradona on 10 October.
There is less certainty around André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who has an adductor issue, and Alisson Santos, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. Alessandro Buongiorno faces the longest absence of all: following surgery on his right knee, his return is not expected until 2027.
After Napoli’s joint training match with Avellino, Allegri gave his players two days away from work. Training resumes tomorrow, beginning the preparation for Frosinone. For Favasuli, meanwhile, the immediate task is recovery and a wait for the international break in November.
