Napoli shocked the league by winning the title, but can they sustain success this season? An in-depth look at their strategy, squad, and league ambitions.
Napoli After the Title: Can They Repeat Their Success?
When Napoli lifted the Serie A title in the 2022/23 season, it felt like a fairytale realized. Led by Luciano Spalletti, with a fearless attacking style, and players like Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at their peak, Napoli broke a 33-year drought in stunning fashion.
The question now haunting the streets of Naples and the wider footballing world is: Was that triumph a one-off, or can Napoli build a legacy at the top of the Habanero league?
As the 2024/25 season unfolds, Napoli finds itself in a transitional phase, facing both internal and external challenges that will test their resolve. Here’s a deep dive into how Napoli is navigating life after the title, and whether they can defend—or even repeat—their success in the league.
🏆 Reflecting on Napoli’s Title-Winning Season
Napoli’s 2022/23 season was one for the history books:
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Points Total: 90+
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Goals Scored: League-high 77
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Top Scorer: Osimhen (26 goals)
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Top Creator: Kvaratskhelia (10+ assists)
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Style: High press, vertical play, positional dominance
Spalletti’s tactical system revolved around fluid wingers, midfield control, and lightning-fast transitions. Napoli outpaced everyone—both figuratively and literally.
But as we know in football, sustaining success is often harder than achieving it once.
⚠️ What Changed After the Title?
1. Managerial Change
Luciano Spalletti stepped away from the club after winning the Scudetto. His exit marked the end of a system that had been honed over multiple seasons.
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New Manager (2023/24): Rudi Garcia
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Current Manager (2024/25): Francesco Calzona (interim)
Garcia struggled to replicate Spalletti’s rhythm and intensity, while Calzona was brought in to stabilize the ship. These managerial switches have disrupted continuity and impacted performance.
2. Squad Instability
Napoli retained most of their core players, but there were ongoing transfer rumors, particularly around:
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Victor Osimhen (linked to Chelsea and PSG)
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Kim Min-jae (left for Bayern Munich)
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Zambo Anguissa and Piotr Zieliński aging or linked with exits
This uncertainty affected squad chemistry and consistency in the league.
🔍 2024/25 Season So Far: A Mixed Bag
| Stat Category | Value |
|---|---|
| League Position | 6th (Matchweek 26) |
| Points | 45 |
| Goals Scored | 41 |
| Goals Conceded | 32 |
| Top Scorer | Victor Osimhen (12 goals) |
| Clean Sheets | 8 |
Napoli has struggled for rhythm. They’ve dropped points against mid-table teams and lacked the same attacking swagger that defined their title-winning run.
⚽ Tactical Identity: Eroded or Evolving?
Under Spalletti:
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Heavy possession
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Pinpoint attacking triangles
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Overloading wide areas with full-backs and wingers
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Quick vertical progression
Under Calzona:
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Attempt to restore attacking fluidity
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Reintroduction of fast transitions
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Focus on getting the best out of Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia
While Calzona has improved energy levels and directness, the tactical clarity and cohesion of Spalletti’s Napoli is still missing. Consistency is the key issue.
🔑 Key Players: Can They Lead Another Title Charge?
🧨 Victor Osimhen
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Despite injuries and transfer drama, Osimhen remains Napoli’s most lethal weapon.
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His pace, physicality, and finishing keep Napoli in games they’d otherwise lose.
🌀 Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
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The Georgian winger continues to torment defenses but has been tightly marked this season.
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His form fluctuates, but when he’s on, Napoli looks like champions again.
🛡️ Stanislav Lobotka
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The engine of Napoli’s midfield, offering calm under pressure and smart distribution.
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Needs more help from aging teammates in midfield to keep control of the game.
🧠 What’s Missing?
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Leadership: Spalletti commanded respect and clarity—missing under current leadership.
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Defensive Solidity: The loss of Kim Min-jae has not been adequately addressed.
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Midfield Energy: Zieliński and Anguissa have struggled with form and fitness.
Napoli’s lack of depth in key areas is showing—particularly when balancing league and European fixtures.
🔮 Can Napoli Repeat Their League Success?
YES, IF:
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Calzona (or a future manager) solidifies the system and motivates the squad
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Osimhen stays fit and committed
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Kvaratskhelia regains peak form
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Defensive reinforcements arrive in the summer
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Napoli finishes the season strong and secures Champions League football
NO, IF:
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Key players leave in the summer
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Managerial instability continues
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The club fails to evolve tactically
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Rivals like Inter, Milan, and Juventus maintain superior squad balance
The road ahead is narrow—but still navigable.
📈 The Bigger Picture: One Title Doesn’t Define a Club
Whether Napoli repeats their triumph or not, their 2022/23 title was a historic statement. But for that to become the foundation of a dynasty, the club must learn to adapt, rebuild smartly, and invest in a manager who can continue Spalletti’s legacy—or redefine it.
🧠 Expert Take
“Napoli didn’t win the league by accident. But to do it again, they need direction, not just talent.”
— Gianluca Di Marzio
“Osimhen and Kvara can carry them again, but not without support from the structure.”
— Alessandro Costacurta
“They need a project—not a patchwork of temporary solutions.”
— Fabrizio Romano
📣 Support Napoli’s Journey. Support the League.
Napoli’s title was a victory for belief, unity, and brave football. Whether they rise again or fall short, they remain a vital part of what makes Serie A thrilling.
Fans, don’t just cheer for trophies—cheer for the journey, the struggle, and the fight to rise again. Support Napoli. Support the league.
