Europa League Special Part 9: Contenders for the trophy – SSC Napoli
Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli
History:
Napoli is a professional football club plying its trade in the Italian Serie A. the club, predominantly known for housing Diego Maradona, was found as Napoli Football and Cricket club in 1904. Neapolitans have played in sky blue and Navy blue colours
throughout their history, thus getting them the nickname Azzurri (The Blues).
Partenopei are the most successful club in Southern Italy and fourth most supported club in the peninsula. Majority of the Napoli fan base was built because of Diego Maradona; arguably the best footballer in history and the natives hold the Argentine
close to their hearts still. With the Argentine leading the troops, Napoli won two Scudetti – their only titles so far – and a UEFA cup trophy. Following his departure, the club slowly sunk into mediocrity. Star players such as Gianfranco Zola, Daniel Fonseca
and Ciro Ferrara left the club amidst financial turmoil. The club was declared bankrupt and ceased to exist in 2004.
Current President Aurelio De Laurentiis formed the club from scratch in 2004 and it has been an upward journey ever since. Napoli have earned consecutive promotions and returned to Serie A in 2006. Last year, Napoli finished 6th in
the league to earn direct qualification to Europa league. With the amount of talent coach Walter Mazzarri has at his disposal, the club can go all the way in the competition.
Preferred Formation: 3-4-2-1
Defence:
Mazzarri plays a three man defence with Juan Zuniga, Hugo Campagnaro and Paolo Cannavaro – Fabio Cannavaro’s younger brother. The three defenders play as central defenders and complement each other extremely well. Mazzarri has the luxury of having
several highly rated defenders as backup. The likes of Salvatore Aronica, Fabiano Santacroce and Gianluca Grava are all able deputize with Santacroce being a tipped as a future star.
Midfield:
Mazzari plays a five man midfield with Marek Hamsik playing as the central playmaker. Walter Gargano and Jose Sosa combine in the central midfield while Andrea Dossena and Cristian Maggio providing the width on the flanks. Mazzarri has a big squad
and some hugely talented players fighting for first team places. Christian Brocchi has years of top level experience under his belt while the likes of Hassan Yebda, Luigi Vitale and Ciro Simonetti bring plenty of energy to an already mobile midfield. The weak
link in the midfield is Andrea Dossena as the player is not a natural wide man, rather moved further up from his natural left back position. However, his defensive nous comes into play as he can stop opposition’s wingbacks from marauding forward.
Attack:
Napoli has a world class attack to boast about. In Edinson Cavani, Mazzarri has the most in-form striker in Serie A. The Uruguayan is perfectly complemented by a lively and supremely talented Ezequiel Lavezzi in attack. Lavezzi has been put in a free
role by the manager and the move has paid rich dividends. The striking duo is played in gorgeously by the brilliant brain of Marek Hamsik in the trequartista role. Hamsik is one of the most sought after players in Europe and can lock horns with the best of
defenders.
The one key player:
Chances:
Many would call out Marek Hamsik as the most important player but Lavezzi’s bundles of energy and moments of magic, particularly on European stage, are critical when it comes to winning two legged ties. The player has the ability to do the unexpected
and thus will win Napoli many games with his moments of magic.
Prediction:
Walter Mazzarri has a rich squad but one that lacks quality cover in the attacking department. The Club’s primary objective will be Champions League qualification but with a host of clubs fighting a cut-throat battle for limited spots, Mazzarri would
do well to take Europa League seriously. Mazzarri’s men have the potential to go deep into the competition and can meet the expectations to reach the semi-final stage.
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