Ottavio Bianchi won the Scudetto with Napoli and believes Maurizio Sarri can follow in his footsteps. “Juventus are getting old.”
The Partenopei are among the main contenders for the Serie A title, battling Juventus, Roma, Inter and Milan.
“This year Napoli start ahead of Roma, because the Giallorossi changed so much in terms of organisation, coaching staff and squad. It’ll take time for them to settle and find their balance,” former Coach Bianchi told Tuttosport.
Ottavio Bianchi won the Scudetto with Napoli and believes Maurizio Sarri can follow in his footsteps. “Juventus are getting old.”
The Partenopei are among the main contenders for the Serie A title, battling Juventus, Roma, Inter and Milan.
“This year Napoli start ahead of Roma, because the Giallorossi changed so much in terms of organisation, coaching staff and squad. It’ll take time for them to settle and find their balance,” former Coach Bianchi told Tuttosport.
“Spending a lot on the transfer market is no guarantee of success, because you risk losing points while the Coach finds the right mix. Napoli could take advantage of that time that other sides will be struggling.
“Juventus made a few changes and they’ve got to slip up eventually, not to mention the side is getting a little old. Even if they have won so much, it’s not easy to keep on winning. Having said that, Juve are the only Italian team capable of competing with the top European clubs.”
Sarri has earned much praise all over Europe for his style of football imposed at the Stadio San Paolo.
“I’ve never seen a Coach win by himself, but he becomes important when he can get the best out of the side at his disposal,” continued Bianchi, who took the Scudetto in 1986-87.
“So far this year, I’ve seen squad rotation and that bodes well. If the same XI always play, a drop in form is always round the corner.
“As far as I can see, the only really big problem for Napoli is they like themselves too much. They must learn to win ugly and be more determined. You can’t always play at full strength to win a game.
“If Napoli are on a good day, they are unstoppable, but that’s not always possible.”
There is one other issue that Bianchi has with Napoli.
“It’s a pity Lorenzo Insigne is the only Neapolitan. I like to watch Italian players, so lately I have to see Sassuolo.”