Former Brazilian midfielder Ricardo Alemao shared his thoughts on the current Serie A season, particularly focusing on Napoli’s chances for the Scudetto. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport from his current role managing a rehabilitation farm in Brazil, Alemao expressed confidence in Napoli’s title prospects.
“The Scudetto will be contested between Inter and Napoli, the most well-equipped teams,” Alemao stated. He added, “I’m inclined to think Napoli will make it. That they’ll succeed. However, it’s clear that small episodes can also shape destiny. But Conte is the right man and has the players that suit him. A team with substance.”
When asked to name the standout player, Alemao praised Kvaratskhelia: “The best. For talent, for liveliness, for speed of thought, for that energy he gives you every time he dribbles past an opponent. He’s joy.”
Alemao also highlighted Lobotka’s impact: “Lobotka has impressed me, perhaps because he occupies the area of the field that was mine. But what’s surprising is the personality with which he plays, the naturalness with which he finds even the most difficult solutions. Yet, small as he is, he knows how to fill the field.”
On Napoli’s midfield, he commented, “Napoli has a fantastic midfield, with Anguissa, with McTominay, with Lobotka, with their mastery. It’s not just muscles, there’s wisdom.”
Regarding Romelu Lukaku, Alemao said, “Saying he’s an exceptional center-forward is obvious, and also highlighting that he and Conte understand each other even in silence is banal. He scores goals, leads the line, obviously, he’s inspiring, he knows the league but in general he knows what football is and how to approach it. But I like his face, I see something Neapolitan in his expression. And anyway, just to express a recurring concept: he’s one who shifts the values and in a Napoli like this, he raises the level even further.”
On the Scudetto race, Alemao believes it will be primarily between Napoli and Inter, with some doubts about Juventus due to Bremer’s absence. He also praised Atalanta’s recent Europa League triumph and Gasperini’s coaching style.
Finally, Alemao expressed concern about the current state of the Brazilian national team, describing it as possibly “the lowest moment for our national team.”
