Vincenzo Italiano explains Wilfred Ndidi’s rare Beşiktaş start after Hoffenheim victory

Beşiktaş head coach Vincenzo Italiano has explained that Wilfred Ndidi deserved more playing time after handing the Super Eagles captain his second start of the season in Thursday’s 3-2 UEFA Europa League victory over Hoffenheim.

The Nigerian midfielder had largely featured as a substitute earlier in the campaign, but was included in the starting XI as Italiano rotated his midfield options for the European encounter.

Ndidi took the opportunity to feature from the beginning and remained on the pitch for 90 minutes before Ümit Akdağ replaced him in stoppage time.

Speaking before the match, Italiano insisted that his decision to start the 29-year-old was not prompted by a tactical adjustment but by the need to give the midfielder an opportunity to contribute more regularly.

“This isn’t a technical or tactical issue. We need to involve Ndidi as well; he deserves playing time. That’s why I gave him playing time,” Italiano said, as quoted by A Spor.

The Beşiktaş manager’s explanation offered an insight into his approach to squad management as the Turkish club balances domestic commitments with its Europa League campaign.

Ndidi earns opportunity as Italiano rotates midfield

Italiano also highlighted the importance of managing the workload of his midfielders, pointing specifically to Salih Özcan’s involvement in several matches this season.

With more fixtures to come, the Italian coach considered the Hoffenheim encounter an appropriate opportunity to give Ndidi a starting role while ensuring his other midfield options received sufficient rest.

“Salih has also played a lot of matches this season, and we have many more matches ahead.

“That’s why I gave Ndidi a chance. Ndidi is a high-level, good player. He needs playing time today. I think he will do well,” he added.

The comments underline Italiano’s confidence in the Nigerian international, whom he described as a high-level player capable of making a contribution when given the opportunity.

Ndidi’s inclusion was therefore part of a broader effort to distribute minutes across the squad rather than a response to a change in Beşiktaş’s tactical approach.

For the midfielder, the start represented an opportunity to strengthen his position within the team after spending much of the early season on the bench.

Second start of the season for Super Eagles captain

Thursday’s appearance was Ndidi’s second start for Beşiktaş in all competitions this season.

His previous start came against Alanyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig on August 23, while the Hoffenheim fixture marked his first time starting a Europa League match during the current campaign.

The Nigerian captain’s limited starting opportunities had made the European fixture an important chance to gain additional minutes and build momentum.

Ndidi played for the full 90 minutes before making way for Akdağ during stoppage time as Beşiktaş held on to claim a 3-2 victory.

The result gave the Turkish side a positive outcome in Europe, while the midfielder’s involvement provided him with valuable playing time as the campaign continues.

Italiano’s remarks suggest that Ndidi remains part of his plans, with the manager keen to make use of the midfielder’s quality amid a demanding schedule.

The challenge for the Super Eagles captain will now be to make the most of future opportunities and convince his coach that he can play a more regular role in Beşiktaş’s midfield.