Napoli Are Going for that Title, But I Remain Skeptical

They want to make that run. This isn't just about getting in the top three, but Napoli want to do what they have only done twice before in their entire history. It was a promising start with some nice football, but the results became more consistent and they've now settled into a groove where they have a clear identity. They are looking like a title contender.

But...I won't give them the tag as favorites.

That may sound crazy based on how well they have been playing, the amount of goals they've scored. But I'm not a bandwagon hopper, and I need more convincing before I can officially dub Napoli as Serie A favorites. You need that consistency and mental fortitude to be able to win those difficult games and turn losses into wins, sometimes doing things the ugly way to get those three points. Whether Napoli can do that, awaits to be seen.







At the moment, Napoli are easily playing the best football in Italy right now. The way that they move the ball around, the chemistry between players and how they fashion chances is great to see. I thought it would be tough for them to break down Inter, who are defensively very good. But it took only sixty-five seconds for Higuain to find the back of the fishnet. The Argentine is having guys like us rack our brains. He is showing signs of one of the most deadly strikers out now, but when he plays for his country he's far more reminiscent of a brick. Napoli couldn't give two cracks, as long as he keeps on playing like this, they are in a very good position.

Sarri should look at teams like Barcelona and the Invincibles of Arsenal. These were very attacking teams who always found ways of scoring against all teams, and when the going went tough, they were able to squeeze out a draw to always ensure they put up points on the board. That mental aspect, of refusing to lose is what Sarri must shove down the throats of his players. They have the skill and ability, but that is never enough to win a league title. The winning mentality is just as important, and being able to win games against teams that restrict you from playing by being rough, physical and annoying.

Another important factor are injuries. If Higuain or Insigne get long-term injuries, then they can kiss their chances goodbye. There are no replacements for them and these two are vital to Napoli's chances of winning this league title. Coulibaly as well is a great defender who just needs to keep those yellow cards down. Football isn't only about scoring. You may be up by one, and have a man sent off, and that is where you need your defense to stand up tall and maintain their concentration till the referee blows the whistle. Reina showed at the very end of the game against Inter how important that is, as Napoli won't be winning every game by three or four goals.

The chance is there, history can be made. Only two titles have been won, and Maradona's ominous shadow continues to hover of Naples. Sarri has the players and the tactical setup to step out of that shadow, but it's whether they have the drive and determination to win it. Juventus are desperate to retain it and they are gradually making their way up the table as Fiorentina and Roma drop points. It won't be easy, and there will be times when Napoli won't play well. Whether they can still pick three points when they aren't at their best and have even be outplayed, will tell me whether or not this is a team that can truly be called Champions-elect.


HH