Can SSC Napoli Return to Winning Ways?
After a fashionable start to the season Napoli looked like they could in the top four. Things have changed rather radically after the dream start and since then a new coach has been appointed. Marzia Hazra wonders if Napoli can return to winning ways with just a couple of weeks left of the season?
From Serie C1 to the European stage in four seasons—that’s the impressive feat former Partenopei coach Edy Reja managed to accomplish during his time at the club.
Despite beginning the season in a fashionable way—when even the prospect of Champions League seemed highly possible—a string of disastrous results after the turn of the year has seen Napoli freefall in the table down to 12th place.
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the club with stubborn reports of late night parties and fistfights in training. At one point during the season representatives of the Napoli Ultras sat down with players, coaches, and club representatives to discuss a plan of action.
The aim was to bring back the team spirit that had seen the team flying high ever since Reja took over the reins at the Naples club.
The result? A ritiro supervised by the Ultras themselves which in the end yielded no positive results at all.
To say that the club was in crisis is probably an understatement.
The poor results persisted and the growing anger from the supporters started to mount pressure on owner Aurelio De Laurentiis.
On March 10 De Laurentiis finally succumbed to the pressure to take a plan of action and decided to sack Reja after five years at the helm. According to the film producer the shock would straighten the players out.
Former Italy coach Roberto Donadoni was named new manager of Napoli. Although it remains somewhat of a questionable choice, most of the Azzurri faithful were just glad to see some form of action taken by the board.
Donadoni’s first game in charge ended in a 1-1 draw away against Reggina—quite a feat considering Napoli had lost eight away games on the trot prior to that.
The players’ approach in the first half was very careful, but the fear started to evaporate in the second as a goalkeeping howler allowed Ezequiel Lavezzi to equalize.
Even though the 4-3-1-2 has been tried out and even looked promising, the newly appointed coach preferred to stay true to Reja’s classic 3-5-2.
The former Italy coach’s debut at the Stadio San Paolo against Milan should have ended in a victory for the home side but much to their disappointment an incorrect offside ruling from the linesman saw the game end in a goalless draw.
Things have started to look much better on the field but there is still a very long way to go. Daniele Mannini showcased fine form as he made his comeback from his suspension against Milan while waiting to hear from the disciplinary commission.
The winger put in a fantastic performance and the co-operation with Marek Hamsik looked nothing short of brilliant at times.
Despite Hamsik being Napoli’s top scorer thus far, the midfielder has undoubtedly lost his fine form of last season. Along with that, striking-duo Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marcelo Zalayeta have—despite their hard work—looked very ineffective in front of goal lately.
Donadoni’s main target for now has to be to change the players’ almost submissive state of mind and make them release their fearful approach to games.
In other words, the former Napoli player will have to be the one that brings back the level of confidence the team possessed during the start of the season.
Donadoni sure has a tough task ahead of him, but they most definately have a talented bunch of players at the minute. They need to keep hold of Lavezzi and Gargano for me, and try and bring in a quality centre forward in the summer.
Their fall this season has been spectacular as you say, I honestly thought they could be talking about the Champions League as a realistic possibility for next season. Great article, like the insight into the controversies that we don’t get to hear much about over here.
What do you think a realistic expectation is for Napoli so far as final league position is concerned? Look forward to more on Italian football.
I saw the game at the San Siro against Milan last November, was a fascinating game and Napoli looked to be more threatening going forward with high energy levels… what’s your summary from the game the other day?
Steve,
I too hope that Napoli will be able to hold on to their players, but considering what a talented bunch they are, the club is very likely to get some tempting bids this summer.
As for final league position, I think they could make top 8 at best – that is to say if they start winning again. They do, however, have several tough games coming up.
Steven,
The players put up a really good fight and would have taken three points against Milab had it not been for the ref’s error. Last week they also managed to snatch a point in the stoppages against Samp. Although things are undoubtedly starting to look better, I’m still waiting for their first victory under Donadoni.
What a way for Napoli to break their three month duck – a win against Inter and clear signs they’re better than their league position and form suggests.
A great win indeed!