Napoli add Giovane to Champions League list as Favasuli faces two months out

A new UEFA rule gives Napoli an extra attacking option for their Champions League trip to Villarreal: Giovane has taken Costantino Favasuli’s place on the squad list while the Italy Under-21 international recovers from a thigh injury.

Favasuli suffered a grade-two tear of the right rectus femoris against Armenia and is expected to be out for around two months, with a possible return in early December. He had made his European debut against Arsenal, replacing Matteo Politano, and that remains his only Champions League appearance this season.

The change is permitted under a rule introduced for the 2025/26 campaign. During the league phase, clubs can temporarily replace an outfield player whose injury or illness is expected to keep them unavailable for at least 60 days. The switch can be made up to and including the sixth matchday, so it is a limited injury provision rather than an open opportunity to reshape the squad.

For Giovane, it means a European chance after his return against Frosinone. He assisted Kevin De Bruyne in Napoli’s 3-0 win, but his league record this season stands at one assist and no goals. Napoli are eighth with 10 points from six games, making another attacking option useful as the schedule intensifies, even if the squad-list change alone does not guarantee a larger role.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri has praised the Brazilian’s “enormous potential”. Giovane is now available for the Villarreal match, giving Napoli another option while Favasuli is sidelined.

Favasuli’s removal need not be permanent. Once he has recovered, Napoli can apply to restore him to the list in Giovane’s place, provided the club notifies UEFA at least 24 hours before the match in which it intends to use him. Until that happens, Giovane has the European place—and Napoli have used the new rule to cover a lengthy absence without making a permanent decision on Favasuli.