Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho are set for a significant Champions League encounter as Napoli face Benfica on Wednesday. This match will mark the eighth time these two renowned managers have clashed,
with their last meeting being the 2018 FA Cup final where Conte's Chelsea triumphed over Mourinho's Manchester United. Conte has secured four victories in their previous seven encounters, while Mourinho has won twice.
Gabriele Oriali, who has worked with both managers, praised them as "superstars of the dugout. " He noted that both coaches have a profound impact on their teams, inspiring players to give their all. "For Mourinho and Conte, the players would walk through fire," Oriali stated, emphasizing their strong human values and leadership qualities.
Napoli boasts a favourable record against Benfica in European competitions, having won three out of four matches. This includes victories in both Champions League group stage games during the 2016-17 season. However, Oriali anticipates a challenging match against Mourinho's side, who recently secured a 2-0 win over Ajax in the Champions League.
Mourinho acknowledged Napoli's injury concerns but downplayed their significance due to the depth of their squad compared to his Benfica team. Despite missing key players like Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, Napoli remains formidable. Mourinho remarked, "Not having De Bruyne or having [Scott] McTominay is the same for us," highlighting squad depth over individual absences.
#UCL mood.#SLBSSCN pic.twitter.com/WuWglsKL9J
— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) December 9, 2025
Conte faces several injuries with Belgian duo Lukaku and De Bruyne sidelined alongside Billy Gilmour, Stanislav Lobotka, Frank Anguissa, Miguel Gutierrez, and goalkeeper Alex Meret. Meanwhile, Benfica will be without Alexander Bah, Bruma, and Dodi Lukebakio for this fixture. Despite these challenges, Mourinho remains optimistic about his available squad.
Mourinho commented on Napoli's adaptability by saying they have improved by altering their system. He added that even with significant absences in his team, he refuses to dwell on them. "I have heavy absences," he said, "but I don't want to cry. "
This highly anticipated clash between two tactical masterminds promises an engaging spectacle for football fans worldwide. Both teams will aim to assert dominance in this crucial Champions League matchup.
