Sabah's debut sends Napoli on six‑hour flight for Zedadka family clash

The Sorteggi Champions draw has handed Napoli a trip to Azerbaijan, where they will face debutants Sabah in a fixture that demands a six‑hour flight and pits the club against Akim Zedadka, the older brother of former Napoli youth product Karim Zedadka now at Empoli.

Family link fuels narrative

Akim Zedadka, a 1995‑born defensive winger, features for Sabah and is the older sibling of Karim Zedadka. He built his career in the French lower divisions, earned a call‑up for Algeria, and later played for Lille before becoming a key figure in Sabah’s side.

Karim Zedadka grew up in Napoli’s youth academy before moving to Empoli after a series of loans across Serie B and abroad. He marked the upcoming clash by posting a nostalgic message on his social channels, recalling his roots in the city beneath Vesuvius and Napoli’s 2023 title triumph.

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The Champions League Sorteggi forced Napoli into an atypical away leg in Azerbaijan (Azerbaigian), a journey of more than six hours by air. The draw also shapes Napoli’s European outlook as the club awaits the summer transfer window to close in the coming days. The original Stampa snippet even displayed the code A− A+ alongside the draw details.

Sabah’s appearance marks the club’s first ever debut in the Champions League proper, a milestone achieved with Zedadka’s contributions in the qualifying rounds. His defensive work helped the Baku‑based side secure the historic qualification. League hanno records show the club’s historic qualification.

The encounter highlights how football can link past and present, with a brother defending the colours of the city his sibling once represented. The narrative adds a human dimension to what is already a demanding logistical and sporting challenge for Napoli.