Carlo Ancelotti returns to Italian football for the first time since 2009, signing a three year deal with Napoli…
Napoli blew their title chances towards the end of the Serie A campaign as Juventus emerged victorious. The club finished runners-up behind The Old Lady for a second time in three seasons under Maurizio Sarri, and reached a record-breaking 91 points in 2017-18. However, despite posing a serious title threat to Juventus this time around, Napoli’s European campaign was a disappointment. Gli Azzurri crashed out during the Champions League group stage, winning just two of their six games. Many fancied them to clinch the Europa League title, but a surprise defeat to RB Leipzig in the very first round left fans shocked.
In hopes of getting their hands on the Serie A title for the first time since 1990, Napoli have approached the three-time Champions League winning manager, Carlo Ancelotti. It will be Carlo’s first job in Italy since he left AC Milan for Chelsea in 2009. The Italian has won the league title in England, France, and Germany – and also famously led Real Madrid to the long-awaited La Decima in 2014. Sacked by Bayern Munich at the start of the season, Carlo Ancelotti has penned down a three-year contract with Gli Azzurri.
Announcing Carlo Ancelotti like 007, Napoli knew it would take something box office to make fans forget Maurizio Sarri. https://t.co/8DDpz83o5R
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) May 25, 2018
Despite having a record-breaking season, the lack of silverware has disappointed the Napoli fans. The side’s failure to get past the Round of 16 in the Champions League has been compounded by poor performances in the Europa League, a competition which club faithful believe their team should be capable of winning. But now, with a European specialist at their disposal, they can hope to go further.
A few names are expected to leave the Stadio San Paolo in the coming weeks. At the top of the list is Jorginho, who seems to sought by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. Right-back Elseid Hysaj may also be sold if a club meets his buyout clause of €50 million. Ancelotti has already brought in Simone Verdi from Bologna to bolster the attack, while Napoli face stiff competition from Arsenal for the signature of Lucas Torreira. The management is also in advanced talks to sign Austrian right-back Stefan Lainer from RB Salzburg as well.
Jorginho's 2017/18 Serie A season by numbers:
33 games
3,197 passes
89.5% pass accuracy
62 tackles won
50 interceptions
44 chances created
4 assists
2 goalsGuardian of possession. 🗝 pic.twitter.com/u9SKEKzPOh
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 30, 2018
Even though Carlo Ancelotti knows Italian football inside out, he will face plenty of obstacles on his journey to dethrone Juventus. Napoli fans can surely hope to finish in the top four and enjoy another season of European football – and with Ancelotti’s extensive experience in the Champions League, the club can aspire to go further in the competition this time around. They also may have their sights set on the Europa League title should they fail to qualify from their group.