Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has echoed Napoli captain Lorenzo Insigne’s thoughts on the Serie A title race, as he himself believes that Italian champions Inter are favourites for this season’s Scudetto once again but face head-on competition from several rivals.
In an exclusive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Parma forward commented on the chances of his ex-team in contention for the title, Napoli.
“We are only on the fourth (round of matches), but Napoli are showing signs of great strength and quality,” he said.
He reckons that the title race will be closely fought with four other clubs, two of them being Jose Mourinho’s Roma and current title-holders Inter.
Speaking of the other clubs in contention, Zola said: “The two Milan clubs, Mourinho’s Roma, and Juventus. The ten points behind is a lot, but they can be made up.”
The former Italy international also gave his thoughts on who Romelu Lukaku’s successor might be in Serie A, pointing out a certain Nigerian prodigy who is beginning to show signs of brilliance.
“When he arrived in Italy two years ago, I didn’t know Osimhen well and I researched him. I discovered a player very good in his movement. With his athletic strength he can be devastating. He is Lukaku’s heir. He is young and has enormous room for improvement,” explained Zola.
Inter and Milan sit at the top of the league, having registered four wins and one draw each in five matches so far. But Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli side spearheaded by Insigne and Osimhen are the only team unbeaten so far, touted to top the league when they take on Sampdoria. They have won 4 of 4 matches – a 100% record.