Louis Gibberd-Thomas evaluates Napoli’s recent struggles in all competitions, specifically analysing their disappointing exit from the Europa League and their consecutive blips against top Serie A competition
February has been, without a doubt, the toughest period for Napoli this season. With defeat to title rivals Juventus, the Scudetto seems to be moving out of reach, and with draws to AC Milan and Fiorentina only compounding the problem. Perhaps most crushing of all has been the premature exit from the Europa League, as Villarreal squeezed past the Azzurri 2-1 on aggregate. Reports of a rift with Gonzalo Higuain, an ugly incident where Lorenzo Insigne was held at gunpoint and clubs vying for Kalidou Kouliably, it’s difficult to find some positives at the Stadio San Paolo at the moment.
With their form in Spain this season, the Yellow Submarines were always going to be a problem for Napoli. Failure to make the most of scoring opportunities has plagued the Partenopei so far this year, and it was no different against Villarreal. Despite the disappointment shared by players and fans alike, going out of the Europa League could have its benefits. Competing on a number of fronts has been a nightmare for Napoli in recent times, demanding a lot of from the players and causing fatigue.
Napoli now have Serie A alone to concern themselves with, which with all factors considered should boil down to two particular fixtures. There are 11 matches left to play this season, and Napoli still have to face Inter and Roma; results that could prove crucial in their bid for the Italian league title. Maurizio Sarri would be asking a lot for his team to win all of their remaining fixtures, but it is imperative that all three points are earned against smaller sides.
The speculation surrounding the future of Gonzalo Higuain has been unrelenting, but it seems the end is in sight. With the likes of Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain chasing his signature, the temptation was always there for the former Real Madrid man. Reports close to the club understand Higuain has refused to sign any future contract extensions, fueling the chances of a departure. With both the Coppa Italia and now the Europa League unobtainable, it’s understandable that the Argentinian may have become disillusioned.
Now onto a more serious issue regarding Lorenzo Insigne, who was left in shock after he and his wife were mugged at gun point. This isn’t the first time such an incident has occurred, with Marek Hamsik unfortunate enough to be robbed twice. The agent of Insigne, Antonio Ottaiano, was quick to quash any generalisations made about the city of Naples.
Finally there’s the speculation regarding defender Kalidou Koulibaly, who could be angling for a move away from Naples this summer. The giant Senegalese centre-back was subjected to racist abuse from Lazio supporters last month, an incident that is thought to have left a bitter in the mouth. A commanding presence at the back, there is no doubt Koulibaly would be missed if he decided to depart.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com