UEFA vice-president Zbigniew Boniek believes not only will Napoli win the Scudetto this season, but they ‘could also win the Champions League.’
Luciano Spalletti’s men had a sensational start to the campaign, going into the break for the 2022 World Cup a full eight points clear at the top of the Serie A table and setting up a Champions League Round of 16 clash with Eintracht Frankfurt after winning their group ahead of Liverpool.
“I like Spalletti, he focuses on the important things and knows what to ask of his team,” former Juventus and Roma star Boniek told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.
“I see him winning the award as Coach of the Year once he has won the Scudetto at the end of this season. The Napoli fans can be as superstitious as they want, but I can say it: they have a huge advantage, play wonderful football and nobody is keeping up with them consistently.
“I will say this too, I think they could win the Champions League as well.”
The Partenopei topped their group in Europe and won all five opening games before capitulating to Liverpool, knowing already they could not realistically be caught.
Boniek is particularly impressed with the new signings that Napoli made over the summer, replacing departing veterans like Kalidou Koulibaly, Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens with Kim Min-jae and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.
“I call him Kvaradona, he is a pure talent. As for Kim, he’s one of the best defenders in Serie A for his energy, concentration, marking and ability in the air. He’s world class.
“Obviously, they still need to keep an eye on Milan and Inter. Juventus are a good team, but with everything that is happening off the field, it becomes more complicated for them to make the comeback.”
The title is a real possibility now, barring a meltdown.
The CL is very unlikely, despite a favourable last-16 draw.
No Italian team is anywhere near that level, so it’d be a surprise if any of them won it. Still, worse teams than Napoli have won the CL.
Hmmmm seriously, i dont think so.
Spalletti effects will start showing after this and they will probably finish 2nd or 3rd
Still dreaming of the scudetto, but not counting is as a given AT ALL.
CL???? I could see semi’s, maybe. But would take some lucky play and chances. The Azzurri have shown they can dig deep when they must so far this season, but I think they’ll get tired at some point and start to fade. Too much transfer chatter as well about many of their players, causes distraction if they’re worried about their next big thing rather than what they’re currently doing.
Either way it’ll be fun to keep watching them in 2023!