Napoli Crowned Champion: What Now?

Giuntoli and Spalletti may need to spice things up

Glorious, glorious Napoli: How sweet it is to win the league title so early in the season. Luciano Spalletti’s side has been etched into Serie A history alongside Torino, Inter, Juventus and Fiorentina by winning the Scudetto with five matchdays remaining.

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Victor Osimhen’s winner against Fiorentina triggered a reading of 9 on the Victor-Scale, seismic tremors that sent the city of Naples into epic pandemonium on Sunday night.

And thank Dios! Despite the energetic title celebrations of the past few days, Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s men seem to be running out of petrol at the business end of the season with two wins in the past eight in all competitions.

Having contested 45 competitive matches this term, that’s to be expected.

Napoli looks a little tired. Pressure, expectation, complacency, and fatigue are all factors. Perhaps it’s a case of opponents occasionally deciphering the Azzurri’s game plan? That too can take a toll.

Never in doubt, Spalletti was always going to stick by his core group of players to clinch that elusive Scudetto. And with so much joy brought through the 4–3–3 formation, the two-time (soon-to-be three-time) Serie A Coach of the Year now has the creative freedom to add a few extra spices into his award-winning recipe.

It’s all about perspective. In hindsight, nobody expected Napoli to win in a canter. With foresight, the Società must plan for next season. Here lies within the most exciting opportunity for Cristiano Giuntoli and Luciano Spalletti.

Harmony is crucial, so is patience

Abundant talent can sometimes detract from the overall performance of the squad — just ask PSG. Giuntoli hit the jackpot by signing small personalities with gargantuan potential that were willing to play a role when called upon.

But now it’s time. Gianluca Gaetano, Alessio Zerbin, Leo Ostigard, Karim Zedadka and even Davide Marfella! We want to see what they’ve got.

I’m not saying that Spalletti should play the second XI for the remaining matches. The core group deserves the plaudits, especially in home games and in big matches. While the integration of fringe players is key, Napoli also needs to make some big decisions.

Who will depart in the summer? Who’s happy to stay and who wants a shot elsewhere? Can minds be changed?

Where can Napoli improve? How can Spalletti use the four remaining games wisely while honouring those most crucial in this title success?

c’è solo un capitano

I’m the first to panic whenever Gio Di Lorenzo is unavailable to play. As only the second-ever captain of the club to lead his side to a Scudetto — Diego Maradona the other — he deserves the keys to the city.

With every other player now seemingly running on wind energy, the unstoppable Di Lorenzo appears to be nuclear powered. But even nuclear reactors need rotation.

Understandably, Alessandro Zanoli was swapped in the January window. He’s a huge talent and could be earmarked for next season with 17 matches and a goal at Samp.

Bartosz Bereszyński, the other player involved in that Sampdoria swap, will step in at some point, but can Leo Ostigard get minutes in that right-back role? Is that worth looking at, or should the Norwegian stick to what we know he’s good at and relieve Amir Rrahmani?

Centrocampo

These decisions in midfield will have the most far-reaching effects on Napoli’s future. Undoubtedly, Stanislav Lobotka should be game managed. No one wants to see him injured the way Victor Osimhen was through overuse.

Is it worth playing Diego Demme over Gianluca Gaetano? The latter has started just once this season in the Coppa Italia, only used as a token substitute in 5 league matches. Spalletti has introduced him off the bench in the most excruciatingly small spells. It’s like adding Carolina Reaper flake by flake into your Sunday sugo.

Despite having another year on his contract, Demme could be identified as surplus to Giuntoli’s requirements and sold in the summer. Expect him to start at least once more — a tribute for the boy that was named after Maradona.

In saying that, Gaetano is a hot property and needs to be showcased in these final games. With just 35 Serie A minutes so far, compared to 2441 at Cremonese last season, Giuntoli simply has to twist Spalletti’s arm.

Right midfielder Karim Zedadka has six minutes in his two Serie A appearances this season. The Frenchman must have done something right to convince the Mister to keep him in the squad but at nearly 23 years of age, with just 5 career starts at Sporting Charleroi and Cavese, he’s had more playing time in video games than in real life.

Alessio Zerbin’s stunning 2021–22 season at Frosinone seems like a distant memory. Where is his best position? This is the chance to find out exactly where he can operate, and, if he’s a fit for next season. After all, Frosinone has been promoted and I’m sure Fabio Grosso wouldn’t decline the offer.

Osimhen vs Lautaro

The most exciting changes may be up forward with Geovanni Simeone champing at the bit. Spalletti could throw the Argentinian a couple of tasty bones before the season’s end.

In terms of team harmony, will this cause a stir in the dressing room? Diego Simeone’s attendance against the Viola coerced his son’s introduction late on, however, it’s well known that Pulcinella hates being replaced.

Serie A top scorer Victor Osimhen (23) had seen his lead cut to four goals following hot form from Lautaro Martinez, the Argentinian staking his claim with 19 goals.

Will Aurelio De Laurentis weigh in on this one seeing as the Nigerian’s valuation increases with each deadly strike? Osimhen has two years remaining on his current contract. Stifling his goal tally may influence his decision-making process, affecting his enthusiasm to improve his current deal.

While Giacomo Raspadori can be given game time on the left to relieve Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, Simeone may have to sit on the sidelines for a while longer unless Spalletti is willing to try a two-pronged attack. Highly unlikely.

Upcoming clashes

Napoli’s toughest remaining game is at home against Inter — the only team that the Azzurri hasn’t defeated this season. Spalletti may opt to start a refreshed XI but to do so, he would need to rotate at Monza.

The rivalry with Inter could evolve into a Capocannoniere showdown. Added to that, fans and players want retribution following Napoli’s loss at the Meazza in the reverse fixture. Expect close to full strength.

Having said that, there will be at least two games earmarked for experimentation away at Monza and Bologna. This is where I expect Spalletti to mix things up in the lab and get minutes into the feet of the fringe players. I can’t wait.

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