Napoli must build on strong start to scale new heights

Napoli placed sixth in the Serie A last season, their best finish since a much-anticipated return to the top flight in 2007.

In season 2007/08, Napoli, under coach Edy Reja, were eighth and 12 months later, they slipped to 12th. After five years at the helm, Reja was dismissed in season 2008/09 and his successor Roberto Donadoni was also shown the backdoor in October last year.

After Donadoni’s exit, the onus of taking Napoli to the next level fell on Walter Mazzarri who did a great job in his first season in charge.

Although Napoli have been among Serie A’s big spenders in recent years, many are still sceptical on their true potential.

The Partenopei have managed to establish themselves as top-half side in the championship, thanks mainly to their home form and by occasionally upsetting the big guns.

Yet, many, including club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, believe that Napoli still have work to do to break into the top four and launch a sustained challenge for the main honours like they habitually did during the Diego Maradona-inspired era in the late 1980s.

This season, Napoli got off to a stuttering start, registering two draws in their opening fixtures, against Fiorentina (1-1) and Bari (2-2).

A 2-1 win at fellow Europa League hopefuls Sampdoria kept Napoli in touch with the early pacesetters. On the fourth day, Napoli suffered an unexpected defeat to Chievo in their own backyard but they bounced back by chalking up their second away win of the term after thrashing newcomers Cesena 4-1.

Mazzarri’s team finally opened their account at the San Paolo Stadium at the expense of Roma 2-0.

Napoli have 11 points, level with champions Inter and Milan and two behind sole leaders Lazio.

In the Europa League, Napoli have been anything but impressive so far after back-to-back draws against Utrecht (0-0) and Steaua Bucharest (3-3). Next week, Napoli host Liverpool.

Needless to say that, for Napoli to make a quantum leap and keep up with the pace of the front-runners, they need to be consistent.

In the not-so-distant past, Napoli used to begin the season like a house on fire only to falter as the season progressed. There is no two ways about it – Napoli simply cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past... they must build on their bright start.

All teams go through difficult spells during the season but the quality that distinguishes great teams is their ability to hit back immediately.

Take last season’s Inter as an example.

José Mourinho’s side were off to a slow start but recovered to establish a strong lead at the top. In the February-March period, Inter, who were focused on their ultimately successful Champions League campaign, dropped several points which may have cost them the title but they held off Roma’s surge to win their fifth league crown in a row.

A year ago, Napoli sacked Donadoni after a terrible start to the season. Under Mazzarri, the team went from strength to strength as they steadily climbed up the table. Eventually, Napoli hit a bumpy period in the most crucial phase of the season and finished sixth, eight points behind fourth-placed Sampdoria.

Since Mazzarri took over, Napoli have played some entertaining football but their inability to kill off games is their Achilles heel.

This has cost Napoli many points last season and failure to address such shortcoming could undermine their cause again this term.

Up to now, Napoli, together with Juventus, possess the most prolific attack with 12 goals. Their defensive record is not very good as Napoli have already leaked in eight goals. This could be an eye-opener ahead of the next Serie A fixtures and January’s transfer window.

Mazzarri is a good coach, perhaps one of the best Italian mentors around. The ex-Livorno and Sampdoria coach can bank a most valid squad at his disposal but Napoli lacked the strength-in-depth to sustain their challenge in the Serie A and the Europa League.

De Laurentiis has the financial muscle and business acumen to take Napoli to new heights. He has already brought financial stability to the club while the team’s progress on the field of play has also been encouraging.

Napoli appear to have everything in place to do well this season but to claim a top-four finish, they must improve defensively and improve their consistency.

As for their fervent fans, they would do well not to put excessive pressure on Mazzarri and his players because this may prove counterproductive.