Griglia Serie A: Iezzo Ecco spots Napoli’s real rivals ahead of title defence

Former Italy goalkeeper Gennaro Iezzo, speaking after his stint at Kiss Kiss Napoli, says Napoli will start the new season aiming to defend the Serie A title and identifies Inter, Juventus and Roma as the club’s principal challengers, while warning that the league’s hierarchy is tighter than ever.

Inter and Napoli top grid

Ecco where Iezzo places Napoli: “Title grid? Inter and Napoli are definitely the best equipped to fight for it.” He puts the two clubs ahead of all others in his assessment.

He adds that Juventus has made important signings and joins the pair, but he also includes a fourth contender, La Roma, which could trouble the league after last year’s notable season with Gasperini. The analysis was published in Stampa A− A+.

Looking ahead to the opening match against Genoa, Iezzo expects an immediate, focused performance: “I hope Napoli start well, immediately with great mentality; it will not be an easy game because they are the first, they need to get to know each other, regain confidence to do well.”

Iezzo also comments on Allegri’s squad choices and the possibility of seeing De Bruyne on the field. He rejects the label of a defensive coach, stating “Everyone talked about an Allegri defensive coach but that’s not the case.”

Comparing with Conte’s tenure, he says, “We thank Conte, the title and second place, but from a playing perspective we didn’t have fun. I believe football is a show and we must deliver a watchable spectacle as well as results.”

Finally, on the forward line he remarks, “If you want to achieve great things then go for another striker, used to winning, who is confident with goals,” referring to Lucca.