Naples vs America CFL Spurs - US Open Cup

When Naples and America CFL Spurs clash at the home ground on March 31, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a US Open Cup fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. The spectacle was once again on show ahead of Nice’s Europa League clash with AS Roma on Thursday, but what was supposed to be a display of power and pride quickly turned into a far more comical scene.

The two sides arrive with plenty to prove, and the US Open Cup contest at the home ground offers a chance to lay down a marker. Naples's recent form is difficult to quantify, but the occasion itself should bring the best out of them. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. Despite his age, and recent injury record, Rodri remains the most complete central midfielder to have operated in the Premier League over the past five years.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Naples will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while America CFL Spurs must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. It meant City had a three-man defence of Josko Gvardiol, Abdukodir Khusanov and Ruben Dias when in possession.

With A. Méndez leading the league's scoring charts at 1 goals, the contest is unlikely to be short of attacking intent. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. If they miss this, Chelsea insist they will not be selling the midfielder this summer.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With positions in the US Open Cup table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.