Former Antonio Conte disciple , Emanuele Giaccherini, analysed Napoli’s current situation, suggesting that the team needs more than just their new manager to overcome their difficulties. Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Giaccherini explained why he believes that while Conte’s arrival is significant, additional quality signings are necessary for Napoli to compete at the highest level.
“To be a competitive team, you need two or three important elements,” Giaccherini states. He acknowledges the challenges Napoli faces, pointing out that their tenth-place finish last season was not a coincidence. The team’s struggles, particularly their mental fragility, were evident in their recent loss to Verona.
Giaccherini emphasizes that Conte alone cannot solve all of Napoli’s problems. “It’s difficult to work on. You can bring the mentality, but you also need the character of the player who rebels against events. Conte alone is not enough,” he explains.
When asked about potential reinforcements, Giaccherini suggests that Napoli needs a midfielder who can combine quantity and quality, performing well in both defensive and offensive phases. He mentions Teun Koopmeiners as a possible target, though acknowledging the high cost associated with such a signing.
Regarding the attack, Giaccherini discusses the ongoing “soap opera” surrounding Romelu Lukaku. He believes that if Lukaku joins Napoli, it would be primarily due to his relationship with Conte. “There is a relationship of great esteem between them. The coach knows him well, has coached him several times, and if he wants him, it’s because he trusts him,” Giaccherini explains.
The former player also touches on the potential impact of transfer rumors on the team’s morale, particularly concerning Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He agrees with Gian Piero Gasperini’s recent comments on the destabilizing effect of ongoing transfer speculation during the season.
Despite the current challenges, Giaccherini remains optimistic about Napoli’s prospects. “If players arrive, they can be protagonists,” he says. However, he currently sees Napoli behind Inter and Milan in the title race, with Juventus as a “work in progress” and Atalanta as a potential “time bomb.”
Giaccherini concludes by discussing Napoli’s upcoming match against Bologna, describing it as an open game. He expects Napoli to be eager to erase the memory of their defeat to Verona but warns that Bologna, under the guidance of Vincenzo Italiano, could pose a significant threat.
