During his pre-match press conference, Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti mentioned four ex-Azzurri stars including Kalidou Koulibaly and Lorenzo Insigne, claiming they also contributed to their predictable title win this term.
The Partenopei are preparing to celebrate their first Serie A title in 33 years, the third in the club’s history.
They will put their hands on the trophy on Thursday with a draw away at Udinese, but celebrations will start a day earlier if Lazio fail to beat Sassuolo at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome tonight.
Most fans and pundits didn’t believe Napoli could win the title this season, especially after parting ways with several of their stars over the summer, including Kalidou Koulibaly who joined Chelsea in a €30m deal.
Spalletti mentioned the Senegal captain and three other former Napoli stars who contributed to this season’s achievement.
“It’s a path that started last season, this is only the second half,” he said.
“Many players who are no longer here gave their contribution. Lorenzo Insigne, Kalidou Koulibaly, Dries Mertens and Faouzi Ghoulam. Players who have given a lot with their personality.”
Spalletti has won two Russian titles in charge of Zenit St. Petersburg, but this will be his first Scudetto as a coach.