In another summer, the return of Luciano Spalletti to the deck from the gate of Napoli would have been treated as a major event in the Italian Peninsula.
Nonetheless, Massimiliano Allegri’s comeback to Juventus, coupled with Antonio Conte’s departure from Inter and most importantly José Mourinho’s landing in the Italian capital tuned down the news of the Tuscan native’s appointment.
Unfortunately for the former Roma and Udinese coach, the lack of exposure is the least of his problems, as things don’t looking bright all in the South.
So is Spalletti’s stint set to fail before it even starts? Here are some of the reasons that could foreshadow a doomed scenario for the Partenopei this season.
The Hellas Effect
A Couple of months have passed since the club’s last competitive match, but for Napoli’s supporters, allowing Champions League qualification to slip through their grasp with an uninspiring draw against Hellas Verona remains almost impossible to swallow.
Even though the new season marks a new beginning, the tension between the players, the president and the fans can still be felt.
Spalletti is in desperate need of a positive start to the season, as thing could quickly accelerate to worse at Napoli, reminiscently of some previous episodes from the Aurelio De Laurentiis era.
Napoli drop points to Hellas Verona and miss out on UCL next season… pic.twitter.com/pa9r286cr8
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) May 23, 2021
Uninspiring Transfer Market
Whilst the departure of Gennaro Gattuso and the arrival of Spalletti is meant to breath a new life into the disappointed city, the management is yet to reinforce the squad during the current transfer market.
Although the Partenopei possess a generally impressive squad and the calciomercato always keeps its best secrets until the very end, the midfield department could use an addition. This is even truer after Diego Demme’s injury, which will force him to miss the pre-season and the first few rounds of Serie A.
? Diego #Demme update: tests confirm knee sprain
? https://t.co/97yPXykaKH pic.twitter.com/TNRAyUw6KX
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) July 24, 2021
Unhappy Stars
If we’re being asked to name the club’s three most important players, Lorenzo Insigne, Kalidou Koulibaly and Fabian Ruiz could be a viable trio.
Unfortunately for Napoli fans, all three stars are linked with exits for one reason or another, much to the dismay of Spalletti.
The Captain is unwilling to renew his contract which will expire next summer, whilst the Senegalese defender is reportedly hoping to embark on a new experience elsewhere, and has several admirers in England. On the other hand, the Spanish playmaker could be sold to balance the books if a major offer arrives.
With the locker-room leaders all facing uncertain futures, we have the recipe for a serious turmoil, even if they end up staying in Southern Italy.
Napoli set Insigne asking price amid Premier League interesthttps://t.co/ZIDYxfLfEN pic.twitter.com/qoGheeWhYs
— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) July 20, 2021
Discouraging Resume
Based on what we mentioned above, a tough task clearly awaits Spalletti at Napoli. But is he the right man to steer the ship towards safety with storms threatening from every direction?
Well, the manager’s past doesn’t suggest so. Besides his results on the pitch – which remain a topic of debate – things weren’t too calm for Luciano in his last two managerial gigs.
At Roma, he ended his second (and less successful) tenure in the capital with an infamous row with club captain and symbol Francesco Totti that forced the latter to unceremoniously leave his beloved team.
During his Inter stint, another controversial row had arisen involving a club captain. Although Spalletti wasn’t exactly to blame for the situation, failing to reconcile his squad and bring Mauro Icardi back to the fold costed his side dearly, as the Nerazzurri barely secured 4th place that season.
Totti cheered by every Roma fan, the coach Luciano Spalletti booed and whistled pic.twitter.com/NvhyLifQ5L
— Scot Munroe (@scot_munroe) May 28, 2021
Conclusion
Whilst the situation seems to be far from encouraging for the Azzurri fanatics, we’re still talking about a club that made a name for itself by beating the odds and overcoming all sort of difficulties, which is why you can only count Napoli out at your own peril.