If not Inter, then it surely has to be Napoli. Where to start with a side that boasted excellence all over the pitch? How much can one wax lyrical about the technique of Victor Osimhen, the unpredictability of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the solidity of Kim Min-jae, the incredible midfield? Napoli were one of Europe's most attractive sides last season, capturing the hearts of neutrals. Not so many are backing them to retain the title, though.
Victor Osimhen finished as the top scorer in Serie A last season with 26 goals as Napoli won a first title in 33 years
Napoli managed to keep their major talents - Kim apart - but it's the departure of coach Luciano Spalletti that has raised doubts about their chances this season.Spalletti is a tactical genius, and what he built in Naples will be remembered forever. Is Rudi Garcia really the ideal choice to replace him?
The Frenchman is perhaps a little underrated. Taking charge at Roma in 2013, Garcia inspired them to challenge a fiercely dominant Juventus for the title. And although they fell sort, they finished with a club record points total - 10 more than when they had won the league in 2001. That record was only beaten by… Luciano Spalletti.
Now it's Garcia's chance to surpass his predecessor. He is excellent at developing talent and offers his attacking players all the freedom they desire while ensuring a tight defence. He was also the man who dumped both Juventus and Manchester City out of the Champions League to reach the semi-final with Lyon in 2020.
With a Napoli squad so well built, Garcia needs to ensure continuity to bring more success. Naples will be a demanding city; owner Aurelio de Laurentiis is difficult to deal with. The onus will be on the Frenchman to keep calm and block out the noise.If there's one team Garcia despised, it was Juventus. They were too strong for his Roma side back then. Can they challenge Napoli this year?
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