Football Season Guide

In the last couple of seasons, Napoli became protagonists of the Italian Serie A. In 2010-2011, they even reached an historical qualification to the Champions League. Things were not as bright in the past campaign during which they were never capable of fighting for the Scudetto. However, they managed to bring the Italian Cup home and they made some impression in the main European competition. During the summer, the management was expected to sign in several new players, given the lack of real alternatives to the regulars. As a matter of fact, their transfer season began with Lavezzi’s departure. He had become the real heart and soul of the team in the last five years. Surprisingly enough, no new stars were hired instead. Insigne came back after an impressive season on loan with Pescara, where he managed to score 18 goals and to provide several assists. It has to be seen, though, whether he and Vargas will be given a chance to make it straight to the starting eleven. Other important signings were those of Behrami and Gamberini from Fiorentina, who should increase Mazzarri’s options both in the midfield and in the defence. One has to wonder, though, whether these new arrivals will prove enough for Napoli to become real candidates for the Scudetto. The preseason and the final of the Italian Super Cup, lost against Juventus, gave the feeling that Napoli could adopt a more cautious attitude, comparing with the past, and that they are more likely to rely on counter-attacking than they ever did. And this could be a problem for them.