The selection criteria have not changed. The methods, however, probably yes. It is difficult, in fact, to imagine that Aurelio De Laurentiis is evaluating a list of forty coaches for the future of Napoli. The guidelines, on the other hand, have remained the same. The suitable profile must have tactical ideas suited to the team, which the president deems perfect to be deployed with the 4-3-3 or something similar. Furthermore, it is advisable that he has some experience in Serie A, that he knows how to move forward in European competitions and that he aligns himself with market strategies. This time the shortlist of candidates is decidedly smaller. At the top of the preferences is Stefano Pioli, who has his main supporter in Giovanni Manna, the next sporting director. Italiano and Gasperini are other names whose feasibility will eventually be investigated, plus Conte who does not exactly fit into all the parameters and who has more onerous demands.
Module
—
Before Pioli can possibly accept Napoli’s proposal, a two-year contract with an option of 3 million euros per year, he will have to free himself from Milan, with whom the consensual termination of the contract will have to be negotiated through the inclusion of a severance package. During the seasons with the Rossoneri, the coach arranged the formation in different ways. Today we see it more often with the 4-3-3. Previously, when injuries affected his choices, he also resorted to a three-man defense with two full-backs. However, originally the designated formation was 4-2-3-1, which could also be proposed for the Azzurri. The reason behind this possibility has the features of Giacomo Raspadori. It is a resource in which De Laurentiis believes very much and would like to see it finally valorised. With this formation, the former Sassuolo player would occupy the role of second striker and could enjoy the continuity that he has never actually had. Spalletti was able to enhance his characteristics, but always using him as an alternative to Osimhen. The Nigerian’s departure, like that of Simeone, will certainly free up even more space for the national team striker.
Center forward
—
Politano and Kvaratskhelia would act on the wings, provided that Napoli manages the difficult task of retaining the Georgian with an advantageous renewal. The center forward, however, will certainly come from the transfer market. It could be Artem Dovbyk of Girona or Romelu Lukaku if the operation with Chelsea which includes Osimhen goes through. In front of the defense it is reasonable to assume the use of Anguissa and Lobotka, who often found themselves managing the midfield responsibilities alone during the match. Also because the main objective to strengthen the department is Sudakov, for whom, however, a very complex negotiation with Shakhtar Donetsk is expected.
Central
—
The backward department will certainly see some innovations in the central area, where an investment of depth and perhaps one of perspective is required. At the moment the evaluations lead respectively towards Hancko of Feyenoord and Spileers of Club Bruges. Both, due to their characteristics, could fit well into mixed marking, one of the distinctive features of Pioli’s philosophy. Some doubts could be raised regarding Meret, who does not excel in the first approach. But in the context of such a vast revolution, it is not necessarily the case that the goalkeeper will also change.
