Former Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly is confident that the Partenopei ‘can dream’ with Antonio Conte and reveals he spoke to the Italian tactician only three days ago.
Koulibaly left Napoli in the 2022 summer transfer window seeing the Partenopei win the title the following season.
However, their title defence was terrible in 2023-24 as they finished outside a European placement changing three coaches.
“Garcia, Mazzarri, and Calzona had difficulty once Napoli lost Spalletti,” Koulibaly told Il Corriere dello Sport.
“Ciccio [Calzona] is a friend of mine and was one of the first ones to believe I would reach high levels with Sarri. I was convinced he would have succeeded at Napoli, but he needed more time. Now, we start again and we can dream with Conte.
“I am a Neapolitan and I will forever be as such. I saw the team’s unveiling live on my laptop on Friday; I feel like one of them,” continued the ex-defender.
Inter remain the favourites to win the Serie A title, but the best Irish casino sites list Napoli among the top teams in Italy’s top flight next season, and it’s mostly thanks to Conte’s appointment.
“I spoke to Conte three days ago,” admitted Koulibaly.
“We joked about the fact that we never worked together. He wanted me at Chelsea, but I decided to stay at Napoli. I would have loved to play under him, he’s a top coach.
“His appointment is an excellent thing for Napoli. He knows how to bring Napoli back to the top, at least in the first places and in the Champions League, but I hope we’ll dream more.”
Does this mean they can already fight for the Scudetto?
“I hope so. Conte is accustomed to winning,” insisted KK.
“He will help the club, the team and the city. As it happened with Spalletti, they can reach any target together. The pitch will tell the truth, but if they give their all, why can’t they believe in the Scudetto?
“I spoke to Anguissa and he said Conte had told the players that he’d push them to the limit. Physically and mentally, so he will understand who he can rely on. I am waiting for Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s return. We all count on him for a great season.”
Napoli are planning to replace Victor Osimhen with Romelu Lukaku, while Alessandro Buongiorno has been their most expensive summer signing so far.
“We all know Rom, I’ve played many games against him,” said Koulibaly.
“He’s an important striker who has had the best seasons in his career with Conte. It all depends on Victor, but Lukaku could be the proper heir. Napoli can do great things.
“Buongiorno is an important young player who plays for Italy’s national team as well. He has experience and strength and you need the best players to win a title. He made the right decision. He can get satisfaction at Napoli and Marin is also coming from a positive season.”