The dream of Gianluca Gaetano it’s always been about playing in the Naples, from an early age. The midfielder born in 2000, however, went further, he even won a championship with the club from his hometown, the third in the history of the Neapolitan club. Having joined the Azzurri’s youth sector in 2011, he made his debut in 2019 in the Italian Cup, but his first real season with his seniors was the following one, when he played permanently in the first team. There is little space for him, the only satisfaction is his debut in the Champions League, then in January he is forced to go to Serie B Cremonese where he played 15 starts and scored 3 goals. His impact is positive, enough to convince the club to confirm him for 2020-2021: 36 appearances between Serie B and Coppa Italia and 7 goals. More than important numbers, which however are still not enough for a chance in the top championship: two appearances with Napoli in 2021-2022 and another season in Cremona, this time seasoned with 7 goals in 35 matches and promotion to Serie A.
Finally the management is convinced: he is ready for the Naples. He will never forget 2022-2023, it is impossible to do so: he grows in the shadow of champions, in the former team of his idol Hamsik, who he said he takes inspiration from, under the orders of coach Luciano Spalletti. The most a Neapolitan could wish for? Almost. The detail to add is the title, which he won by making a total of 8 appearances and also scoring a goal against Inter. The rest applies to the CV, such as the 3 matches in the Champions League. The summer revolution doesn’t affect him, he is confirmed and hopes to have more space, but Napoli’s troubled year doesn’t help him: only 13 appearances in all competitions and one goal until January 2024.
Gaetano he is once again at a crossroads and chooses perhaps the most difficult solution. He leaves on loan mid-season to a team in great difficulty like the Cagliari with the aim of finding playing time and convincing the experts that he can fit in a big team like Napoli. The Italian goes well beyond the wildest expectations and scores 4 goals in the first 9 matches played. The result is obvious: all eyes are now on him, the definitive explosion is expected at any moment. The dilemma at this point is always the same: will he be ready to play as a protagonist in his favorite team? Napoli will decide in the summer, but there will certainly be no shortage of suitors. Today Gianluca Gaetano turns 24.
