Napoli entrusts defence to Beukema against Porto in the Champions League

In this week’s European night, Napoli entrusts the defence to Sam Beukema, a starter against Porto in the fourth matchday of the Champions League, hoping to redeem the performance against Roma for the club and to revive playoff ambitions.

As reported by Corriere dello Sport, the Dutch defender will have the chance to redeem the performance against Roma, after which he wrote on social media: “Sorry for how it ended. There are moments to learn from and to restart with even more determination. I will do it. Head up and work.”

For the former Bologna player, it will be his first appearance from the start in this edition of the European competition.

Defensive emergency and Allegri’s choice

The emergency in the backline forces Massimiliano Allegri to rely on the few centre‑backs left at his disposal. Beukema will complete the defensive trio alongside Amir Rrahmani and Rafa Marin.

Allegri challenges Porto, last Italian victory in Portugal since 2017

For the Dutchman it will be his fifth appearance of the season, the second as a starter after the one against Venezia. The match represents an important opportunity for Napoli, which wants to use the challenge to revive qualification ambitions at least to the Champions League playoffs.

Beukema’s season started late due to a tendon problem over the summer, but now the defender is fully recovered. Bought from Bologna in 2025 for around €30 million, he broadened his tactical repertoire working with Antonio Conte, also learning the role of right wing‑back in a back three.

Now he is seeking greater continuity with Allegri, also to fuel his national team ambitions. The dream remains a call‑up with the Netherlands, but to convince the new head coach Xavi, important performances will be needed.

The first test will be the clash against Porto.