Prior to the start of the season, if anyone would have guessed that Napoli would maintain a perfect start in the Champions League and would be top of Serie A, they would’ve been met with raised eyebrows.
However, Luciano Spaletti’s side has proved all the doubters wrong with their sensational start to the season. The Azzurri have sealed qualification to the last 16 of the Champions League with a perfect record, and are emerging as the dark horses to potentially win the tournament.
How Napoli’s business has helped them thrive this season
When Kalidou Koulibaly, Lorenzo Insigne and Dries Mertens left the club this summer, it seemed like the club were in for a tough rebuilding phase.
But, their recruitments have been very specific and very effective. Kim Min Jae, recruited as the replacement for Koulibaly, has been very impressive since joining the Italian side.
Moreover, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has made himself an automatic starter on the left wing with his outstanding start to life with Napoli. Giacomo Raspadori has proved to be a very reliable option up front, while Giovanni Simeone has also been delivering.
The Argentine scored twice in their recent win against Rangers, taking his tally to four goals in his first Champions League season. A solid role from Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa in midfield has been key to their success too, helping them play brilliant attacking football.
Taking loan fees and transfer fees into account, Napoli spent a total of €68 million in the summer. And their money has yielded an unbelievable return on the pitch so far.
