Napoli starting XI (4-3-3): Milinkovic-Savic, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Gutierrez, Anguissa, Lobotka (subbed for Lang), McTominay, Politano (subbed for Neres), Hojlund, Elmas

Bench: Contini, Ferrante, Juan Jesus, Olivera, Vergara, Beukema, Ambrosino

Eintracht Frankfort starting XI (3-4-2-1): Zetterer, Collins, Koch, Theate, Kristensen, Chaibi (subbed for Dahoud), Larsson (subbed for Skhiri subbed for), Brown (subbed for Amenda), Gotze, Bahoya subbed for Knauff), Burkardt

Bench: Grahl, Santos, Wahi, Doan, Chandler, Buta, Batshuayi

NAPLES — The Germans, who had conceded ten goals in their previous two European outings, arrived in Naples with a clear objective: not to concede.

Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmöller, wary of his side’s defensive fragility, abandoned his usual attacking approach and deployed a compact five-man backline, which at times became six when midfielder Chaibi dropped deep to double up on the flanks.

It was a strategy that frustrated Napoli from the start. With all eleven Frankfurt players often positioned behind the ball, the home side struggled to find space or rhythm.

Matteo Politano was neutralised on the right by Brown and the tireless Chaibi, while on the opposite flank Eljif Elmas initially had more freedom and came close to scoring with a fierce strike that was parried by Michael Zetterer. But as the match wore on, even his impact faded when Collins began helping to double-mark him.

The tactical pattern remained unchanged after the break. Frankfurt focused entirely on defending, while Napoli’s sterile possession failed to trouble Zetterer. In fact, the best chance of the second half fell to the visitors when Knauff found himself unmarked in front of goal, only to shoot straight at Milinković-Savić.

In the final quarter of an hour, Napoli increased the tempo and the pressure, while Frankfurt began to venture forward slightly more. The Germans nearly scored when Miguel Gutiérrez deflected the ball dangerously toward his own goal, while on the counter McTominay wasted Napoli’s best chance, firing well over the bar after a surging run from Anguissa.

In stoppage time, substitute Rasmus Højlund had a final opportunity from close range, but his weak effort was easily collected by Zetterer.

It was a disappointing evening for Antonio Conte’s side, who once again showed how much they struggle against compact, defensive teams. Few ideas, little pace and minimal aggression — traits that leave Napoli in a precarious position in their Champions League group.

ANSA