When Napoli last won the Scudetto, it was in 1989–1990. The Naples-based squad won the title that year, their second in as many seasons, under Diego Maradona's leadership. But in the 33 years that have passed since, the Partenopei have placed second four times.
The drought appears to be coming to an end. It's really just a formality at this point, to be honest. With six games remaining, Luciano Spalletti's team leads Serie A by 18 points. They will be declared champions if they win their Thursday match against Udinese without losing. If Sassuolo defeats Lazio on Wednesday, they will even take the title.
Additionally, it would be richly deserved. Napoli has allowed the fewest (22) goals while scoring the most (68). They have lost just seven of their 32 games this season, and their lone defeat of the campaign came in January after an 11-game winning streak.
Victor Osimhen, who has 21 goals in just 26 games this season, is their best goal scorer, and nobody can match Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's 10 assists in the Italian first division. Following his €10 million summer transfer, the 22-year-old has exceeded expectations and more than filled the shoes of the late Lorenzo Insigne.
The late 1980s Napoli team was able to sandwich two second-place results between their two Scudetto victories. A similar spell of domination may be in store if they can maintain this present team together. The likelihood is that this team will be dismantled at the end of the season, allowing the team to make money while their stock is still high.
1. Hirving Lozano
The 27-year-old hasn't had the best season statistically. He has only scored three goals in 1,565 league minutes, but there are rumours that he might leave in the summer because his contract is about to expire.
The Mexico international is thought to intrigue Chelsea and Arsenal. The adaptable forward's Expected Transfer Value might reach €38 million. Selling for that much would result in a slight loss for the former PSV player. He was acquired by the Serie A team in 2019 for a club-record €42 million, although he hasn't been able to match his Eredivisie performance.
He has only exceeded six Serie A goals once in his fourth season with the team.
However, Lozano may attract interest from some Premier League teams. The 64-cap international may be seen as a marketable commodity because he is versatile and has experience playing in European competition. The No. 11 for Napoli might not always be a starter, but he might be a valuable squad player for a side wanting to bolster its depth.
2. Kim Min-Jae
The center-back was somewhat unknown a year ago because he had only recently moved to Europe in August 2021. Following Kalidou Koulibaly's sale to Chelsea, Napoli chose him to replace him because of his performance for Fenerbache.
The Serie A team pulled off a brilliant move by investing half of the €36 million they received for the Senegalese defender in the 26-year-old. He has been among the top defenders in Europe this year and may be moved this summer for €50 million.
In his contract, Kim has a release clause that is in effect for a two-week period in early July. Despite recent rumours that Manchester rivals City and United will compete for the powerful center-back, he has already been linked to Liverpool.
Given how competitive the defender market is, such a price for someone of Kim's calibre would be seen as a steal, and Napoli would have no way of stopping their No. 3 from departing.
3. Piotr Zielinski
Another player that could be traded is the adaptable midfielder because of his contractual predicament. The 28-year-old's contract with the Stadio expires in 2024, and he supposedly wants to leave. Diego Armando Maradona, despite being a key member of this Spalletti team, this summer.
This season, he has played more than 1,900 minutes in Serie A and contributed to 10 goals with three goals and seven assists.
Prior to his transfer to Naples, Liverpool tried to sign the 80-cap international, and multiple sources claim that the Reds still have interest in the versatile middle third player. Although Zielinski's age makes him an odd fit for a team looking for fresh legs, Jurgen Klopp's team is in desperate need of midfield reinforcements, and Zielinski could be seen as a great signing.
4. Victor Osimhen
Osimhen, who led Napoli to the Serie A championship and has been rumoured to be a transfer target for Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal in recent years, appears destined to leave this summer.
Clubs may have been turned off by his price tag, which was far north of €100m, last summer, but he's quite emphatically dispelled any qualms with his performances this year. With five goals in just 423 minutes, he has dominated both the domestic league and the Champions League.
Few players are as well-rounded as the former Lille player, and a number of clubs, notably Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Chelsea, are searching for a genuine centre forward.
Content created and supplied by: ShidNation90 (via Opera News )
COMMENTS