Napoli is working to buy a central defender or maybe even 2. And several names are coming up that would please Antonio Conte very much
Napoli, arriverà (almeno) un difensore: i 5 nomi sulla lista di Manna (Foto: LaPresse) – serieanews.com
Some seasons seem written to put things back on track. This year’s Napoli is exactly that: a team that has taken back what belonged to it. After a year spent biting the bullet, now the Azzurri are playing for the Scudetto. And they do so with the hunger that only Antonio Conte knows how to convey. His hand can be seen everywhere, but especially at the back: the defense is back to being a bunker.
There is a “though,” because Conte says it quietly but thinks it loudly: more is needed at the back. Not just to strengthen the roster, but to build something more solid. With Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani and Buongiorno it’s going great, but behind them there are not enough level alternatives.
Juan Jesus has gotten back on his feet but is nearing 34 years old. Rafa Marin has remained a mystery object, and the idea that he might start again in June is by no means remote. So what? Then it’s up to Giovanni Manna, who has already started moving.
Naples will go hard on a central defender. In fact, maybe two. It is no secret that the defensive market is one of the priorities for the upcoming summer soccer market. In January there had already been an attempt to intervene, but everything had been blocked. Now there is a desire to get serious. And there is no shortage of names in Manna’s notebook. Here are five profiles that are turning the heads of the Azzurri leadership.
Da Comuzzo a Solet: il Napoli alla ricerca del centrale difensivo
The picture is clear: Giovanni Manna is tasked with raising the level of the rearguard. Conte has been clear: whoever arrives will have to be ready immediately, mentally even before technically. And Napoli has understood the lesson. You win (also) with a solid defense, and the Azzurri’s wants to remain so for a long time.
Da Comuzzo a Solet: il Napoli alla ricerca del centrale difensivo (LaPresse) – serieanews.com
The first name can only be that of Pietro Comuzzo. The 2005-class defender from Fiorentina was one of the most concrete targets last winter. The violets retained him, but in June it will be a different story. Commisso is unlikely to hold out any longer. Conte appreciates his sense of position and personality. Napoli will be there.
The second name is that of Jakub Kiwior, Arsenal’s left-handed center back. In the Premier he has not found the space he hoped for, and the desire to get back into the game in Serie A is strong. Napoli has been thinking about him for months. He is a defender that Conte could turn into a starter, or a top-level reserve capable of covering multiple roles. He is not the only name being followed in the Premier but we are talking about another level of experience here. Physical, good feet, habit of big stages: the right mix for the Azzurri defense.
Here the right name is Johan Vásquez, who had a spectacular turnaround at Genoa. The Mexican has convinced everyone by his reliability and versatility. He can play in both a three and four-man system, plus he does not disdain the side lane when needed. He has a fighting mentality, a quality Conte loves. Genoa is trying to resist, but faced with a concrete proposal from Napoli, they might waver.
Da Comuzzo a Solet: il Napoli alla ricerca del centrale difensivo (LaPresse) – serieanews.com
Another hot profile is Oumar Solet, who has found an ideal dimension at Udinese. Arrived in January, he immediately made it clear that he is one for the bigs. Physically strong, decisive in contrasts, excellent sense of anticipation: the profile that Conte would like to see training every day at Castel Volturno. Napoli, and others, have already sounded the ground. And beware: Udinese already knows it will be difficult to keep him beyond June.
Finally, there is Luca Marianucci, Empoli’s revelation. Class of 2004, a ductile and modern central defender. He has leg, head and polite feet. Empoli would like to keep him, but if he goes down to Serie B it will be hard to resist offers. And Napoli is ready to step up. He is not just a bet: Conte sees him as a project to work on right away.
This article Napoli, a defender will arrive (at least): the 5 names on Manna’s list appeared first on SerieANews.
