Napoli Vs Celta has started as a useful preseason check for both clubs in Naples, with the confirmed lineups giving a first look at how each side wants to shape its preparations for 26/27. It is the sort of fixture that matters less for the scoreline than for the habits it can reveal, especially with both teams using the night to fine-tune their systems and build confidence ahead of their leagues.
A few days before this match, Napoli beat Osasuna 2-1 in another preseason outing, while Celta de Vigo arrived after a 4-1 win over Sassuolo. That means both teams came into this one with momentum already behind them, and the pre-match picture was completed when the squads arrived at the stadium and went through their warm-up sessions before kick-off.
Confirmed starting lineups set the tone
The key team news is straightforward enough: Radu starts in goal for Celta de Vigo. Napoli’s side also includes Milinkovic-Savic, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Rafa Marín, Olivera, Anguissa, Lobotka, McTominay, Politano, Højlund and Alisson S., with the lineups giving both managers a chance to assess balance, rhythm and sharpness from the outset.
For a preseason friendly, that is often the main point. Coaches want to see how the shape looks when the game is played at real speed, whether the midfield can stay connected to the forwards, and whether the defensive line can deal with pressure without losing control. In that sense, the starting XIs are as important as the result itself.
Napoli start quickly from set pieces
The early signs have already pointed towards Napoli trying to impose themselves. In the opening minutes, they earned several corners and created danger through set pieces, which is exactly the kind of detail managers will want to see at this stage of preparation. It is not only about attacking threat, but also about the willingness to put pressure on an opponent straight away.
Celta, meanwhile, will be looking to settle into the game and use the contest as a live test of their own structure. Their official pre-match post captured the mood neatly before the game, announcing: “Hoxe xoga o noso 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔! 🩵🆚 @sscnapoli 🏆 Pretempada 26/27⏰ 21:00 CEST🏟️ Stadio Teófilo Pantini📺 ⋄ #Pretempada2627 /iKEHIzikaT”.
That is the right mindset for a game like this. The focus is on structure, confidence and minutes in the legs, with both Napoli and Celta using the night in Naples to gather information that should matter once the competitive season begins.
