sport news Napoli look set to win their first league title in MORE THAN 30 YEARS under the ... trends now
Behind the ruthlessness of owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, savvy of sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli and the leadership of manager Luciano Spalletti, Napoli have ushered in a new era that has them in firm reach of winning their first Scudetto in 33 years.
Napoli owe a lot to De Laurentiis and his decision to cut ties with Kalidou Koulibaly, Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and David Ospina over the summer, which has created a carefree team without selfish heroes.
In just a few months, the team has become a symbol of strength and courage, now with a 13-point lead at the top of Serie A - after their 2-1 victory over Roma last Sunday.
But in the summer, the fans were all lined up against De Laurentiis and the decision to part ways with all the team's leaders.
Moving on from Mertens wasn't easy but the fans, especially in Napoli, are linked to the history of the club and not to that of the players.
Napoli's talent and togetherness has seen them build a 12-point lead atop Serie A
Aurelio De Laurentiis made some tough calls over the summer as the squad re-tooled
Spalletti has also been hugely instrumental in transforming the club.
Naples has become the second city of the Tuscan coach and he has emboldened this squad with his strong public communication.
Like all Tuscan men, he is abrasive in his statements, which always defend the team and its players.
Spalletti has transformed individual quality into collective quality on this team, who feel they are pushed by the invisible hand of Diego Maradona.
There is an esoteric connection between the team and the locals in Napoli, and the team's coach has fully gotten his players to buy in to the team's selfless ethos.
Without Ospina, Koulibaly, Fabian Ruiz, Mertens and Insigne, Spalletti has built a team made up of hungry and gritty players returning from unfortunate experiences abroad like Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, and players determined for success like Victor Osimhen.
This mix of great talents has resulted in a solid and tenacious team that is also expansive and bold, as they average 2.4 goals per game.
Osimhen in particular is a star.
Luciano Spalletti has his team playing exciting, bold football and scoring goals for
