The Rise of Napoli
The last time Napoli won the Scudetto (Serie A title) was when Diego Maradona played for the club, over 33 years ago. Since then their only domestic success has come from the Coppa Italia, three times in those 33 years. In recent times they were never seen as challengers for the title but as a club chasing the top 4 positions to enter the Champions League. Last season they finished in 3rd position, ensuring Champions League qualification, however following their transfer activities in the summer many thought Napoli would be chasing the top 4 again.
Napoli are shrewd but usually great when it comes to their transfer business, whether it be departures, signings or even retaining talents for a few years. The departures of key players such as Koulibaly, Mertens, Insigne and Milik raised the question of whether Napoli could replace those key figures. Napoli didn't spend big but recruited heavily in all departments, with key signings such as Kim Min-Jae, Kvaratskelia, Anguissa and Ndombele being the most notable.
Many of these players were not seen as real game changers/world class and thus it was fair to assume that Napoli would have a difficult season after losing key players that summer. They also retained a key talent in Victor Osimhen, their central striker who has previously been linked with a move to the Premier League. Prior to this season, it was noted that he had the potential to become a world-class striker and he had shown glimpses of his ability in the 21/22 season when he scored 18 goals in 32 games for the club.
Napoli started this season flying, with only 2 draws and 1 loss up until the world cup break in late November. They had taken the league by storm and were sitting comfortably at the top. They also shocked many in the Champions League, where they dismantled Champions League finalists, Liverpool 4-1 on the opening matchday in their group. That match showed me that Napoli are a real dark horse in the Champions League and should not be underestimated.
The match against Liverpool showed me how serious Napoli was this season in their signings and performances. They didn't spend big but they spent wisely. The signing of Kim Min-Jae has made the loss of Koulibaly look meaningless as Napoli's defence looks the best it has in years. The signing of Anguissa has made their midfield trio of Lobotka and Zielinski balanced and hard-working. Finally, Kvaratskelia, an unknown winger from Georgia with the shoes of Mertens and Insigne to fill, he was a player that no one had their eyes on. Fast-forward to the present day and he is one of the most wanted wingers in the world.
Kvaratskelia's ability has the potential to make him an all-timer not just at Napoli but across the history of football. His consistency across this season has been really world-class and has no fear of any team or defender in the world. He currently has 13 goals and 15 assists which is a goal contribution of 28 in 29 games in his debut season for Napoli. If this contribution continues for many seasons, there is no doubt he will leave a mark in the history books. His presence has not only benefitted Napoli's well balanced defence and midfield but also the output of Victor Osimhen. The two of them have formed a great partnership already and have a great understanding of each other's games. Osimhen already has 5 more goals (23 goals in 28 games) this season in 4 fewer matches played compared to the season before (18 goals in 32 games).
They have great attackers, a balanced and creative midfield, and a stern defence. They are a team that presses from the front, with the work rate of Osimhen, Kvaratskelia and Lozano being relentless. Their tireless midfield trio of Lobotka, Zielinksi and Anguissa cover the majority of the ground in midfield. And their defence's composure on the ball and reading of the situation has been one of the best in Europe this season. Furthermore, their squad depth has also gone unnoticed, with their bench consisting of Simeone, Ndombele, Elmas and others who have come off the bench and haven't looked out of place and always have a positive impact on the team. If there was a suggestion of a weakness in this team it would be hard to pick any of the outfield 10 players hence the goalkeeper would get mentioned. Meret has rarely been at fault but it could be seen sometimes on the ball play is the weakest in the squad. Although it has been hard to find many weaknesses in this generational Napoli squad.
It goes to show Napoli has the ability and squad to fight in the Champions league. Their quarter-final opponents in the competition are AC Milan, who have been largely underperforming this season after winning the scudetto last season. Their potential semi-final opponents are either Inter Milan or Benfica, thus to me the route to the Champions League final should be Napoli's to lose. While in the League they sit comfortably at the top with a gap of 18 points to Inter Milan in second place.
Napoli have blown all expectations and I would say are the best team in Europe this season. A balanced squad from top to bottom with world-class abilities in every department of the pitch, they are definitely the team to beat this season.
