The Azzurri are still looking for a new striker who can replace the Nigerian striker who is about to leave.
A change of coach was enough to rekindle the enthusiasm and bring back that joy and desire for Naples which in those parts takes very little to resurface. Nothing strange, in short, especially if the new coach is called Antonio Conte and he usually brings with him confidence and passion.
The disastrous season, which came after the historic one of the third Scudetto, already seems to be behind us and the whole environment in the home team, including the fans, he can’t wait to start a new championship and see the Lecce coach at work in this new and stimulating adventure.
Before starting the Antonio Conte era in Naples, however, we will have to build, or rather rebuild, a team that has to start almost from scratch. These days there is a lot of talk about the issues relating to Capitan Di Lorenzo and Kvaratskhelia. Both would like a change of scenery, but both have been declared untransferable by President De Laurentiis.
We’ll see how it ends, but what is certain is that in the meantime Giovanni Manna, Napoli’s new sporting director, is moving in advance to strengthen the squad. Rafa Marin, defender born in 2002 for Real Madrid, but last season on loan at Alaves, now seems one step away from the Neapolitan club. The real dream in defense, however, is called Alessandro Buongiorno.
Naples, from defense to attack
Napoli seems to have offered 30-35 million euros for the purchase of the Turin captain, but the Granata club doesn’t give up and wants at least 40. The feeling is that the deal will eventually be done and Buongiorno, together with Marin, will make up the new Azzurri defence. Mario Hermoso, a footballer who will be released from Atletico Madrid on 30 June, could complete the re-foundation in the defensive department.
After having put the defense in place, we will then think about the midfield and the attack. In the advanced department, however, everything depends on the exit of Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian has a release clause of 135 million euros, but at the moment there are no concrete offers. Only after his sale will we be able to focus on purchasing his replacement. The real targets remain Lukaku and Dovbyk.
Naples, eyes on the Slovakian Schranz
In the meantime, however, a new name has emerged for the front line. This is the Slovakian Ivan Schranz. Surprisingly, the 1993 class, after two days of Euro 2024, is the top scorer of the tournament, together with Musiala, with two goals. Debut goal against Belgium and goal against Ukraine.
Schranz plays for Slavia Prague and this year he scored 8 goals and 5 assists in 32 total games this season. He has only scored two goals in the league, while the AC Milan fans remember him well for having scored at San Siro against the Rossoneri in the 4-2 first leg of the Europa League round of 16. The Slovakian is a winger who can also be used as a striker, but in Conte’s tactical plan he could become an excellent alternative as a second striker.
