Louis Gibberd-Thomas looks towards a tough trip to Atalanta as the Partenopei hope to get their title challenge back on track after a draw with ailing Roma.
A case of nothing gained nothing lost for Napoli in their draw with Roma. The Giallorossi didn’t threaten as much as was expected, preferring to play safely in a deep position. Once again Napoli’s finishing was called into question, but this would discount the excellent saves performed by Wojciech Szczensy in the Roma goal. Maurizio Sarri can certainly take some solace from a clean sheet, but they need to be more clinical if they maintain ambitions of being crowned champions.
The Partenopei had more joy when it came to their Coppa Italia fixture. Hellas Verona have not had an enjoyable season, sacking Andrea Mandorlini after seeing no change in their results with relegation looming ominously. Napoli must have seemed like a tornado to the struggling Serie A side, the hosts deserving of their 3-0 victory. For Sarri the result is certainly a boost. The former Empoli boss would like to maintain a Coppa Italia run as best he can. While the Scudetto and the Europa League are the principle targets, it wouldn’t hurt to keep a finger on the Coppa should they lose out in one or the other.
Talk has surfaced recently regarding the future of Dries Mertens. The 28-year-old has a contract running until 2018 and has always been considered one of the club’s best players. Mertens has already found the back of the net on six occasions across all competitions. Napoli are eager to tie the Belgian down to another contract, thus squeezing the most out of Mertens before he reaches the twilight of his playing career.
However, for reasons at this moment unknown, Mertens is unwilling to discuss an extension. After 23 goals in 94 appearances for the Partenopei, the Belgian is no longer a permanent fixture in the starting-eleven. Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Callejon have made it difficult for Mertens to get a run in the team, with Manolo Gabbiadini also competing for a place in the side. Nevertheless the Europa League has provided Mertens with a platform to remind onlookers how good he is.
Looking ahead to the January transfer window, there appear to be developments with Sarri eager to bring in a creative midfielder. The latest as revealed by Sky Sport Italia has been an official enquiry into the availability of Paris Saint-Germain youngster Adrien Rabiot. The Azzurri haven’t had a Frenchman in their team since Rafa Benitez convinced Anthony Reveillere to bolster his squad, but can boast a wonderful relationship with the Ligue 1 champions having previously sold them Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Rabiot would be a welcome addition to the team, with Marek Hamsik somewhat overworked in his creative role so far this campaign. Next up for the Azzurri is Atalanta, who have been buoyed in recent weeks by the form of both Marten de Roon and former Napoli striker German Denis. They lost their previous fixture to Chievo, but nothing should allow Napoli to underestimate the Bergamo outfit; particularly as they have risen to eighth in the standings.
