It's About the Long Term for Napoli and Benitez When They Take on Juventus

The league is done. This SHOULD have been a title-deciding match but with Cavani leaving Napoli and Juventus only getting stronger...this is just another game. Whatever the result, Juventus have already won the league. This is a match for Benitez to try and catch Roma but to also plan for the future and close the gap on Juventus next season.

 Benitez has done VERY well, considering what he has had to work with. Many would have thought Milan, Fiorentina and even Inter would be fighting for second and third. You lose a player like Cavani, and it would be understandable to finish fourth or fifth.

But Benitez nabbed Higuain, got a few Spanish pieces, and built a solid consistent team who have punched above their weight. Because there is no reason why Milan or even Fiorentina are below Napoli with the players those teams have. Sorry, but Higuain is a much lesser player than Cavani, but the Argentine has scored some very important goals flourishing in a system that's been pragmatically created by Rafa. 

REALISTICALLY, they were never going to win the league. This was really about the future, and the match tomorrow night will be that chance for Benitez to see how far behind they are from the Turin juggernaut.

This ought to be a good match, and it really has no bearing on the league. With Napoli at home, I expect them to give Juventus a very good game. I HOPE to see Insigne playing and see what he can do against Bonnuci, Barzagli and Chiellini. Rafa will be looking to see where he needs to improve upon and how  to deepen his squad in order for them to truly compete with Juventus.

It's a shame. Wouldn't it have been great if Napoli were two points behind Juventus, and a victory IN THEIR CAULDRON would see them jump into first place in the table?

Alas....


HH