Altamura: Napoli Needs Reinforcements, Not Just Complacency

Marcello Altamura, a journalist for Cronache di Napoli, shared his insights on Radio Tutto Napoli, stating that Napoli still requires quality additions to stay competitive. He believes that while a complete rebuild with young players might be a different scenario, the appointment of Allegri indicates a clear ambition for immediate success. Altamura suggests that players like Gabriel Jesus align with the goal of competing in Italy and advancing in the Champions League, emphasizing that the team cannot afford to significantly lower its player quality with such aspirations.

Regarding Napoli's true seasonal objective, Altamura believes it lies in improving their European campaign. He echoed Manna's sentiment that the team needs to overcome playoff rounds and aim for at least the Round of 16 in the Champions League. A fourth-place finish in the league coupled with reaching the Champions League's later stages would be considered a positive season, especially after two Scudetti in the last four years, acknowledging the desire to enhance their European ranking and standing.

Altamura identified two key positive takeaways from recent friendlies. Firstly, Napoli demonstrated solidity despite defensive emergencies, with players like Rafa Marin performing adequately, though he stressed the need to contextualize these performances against the caliber of opposition. Secondly, and perhaps more significantly, he highlighted the team's tactical versatility. Unlike previous iterations, including Conte's Napoli, which often relied on a single tactical approach, Allegri's team can adapt by changing personnel, formations, and offensive mechanisms, a trait that can prove to be a substantial advantage.

He strongly disagrees with the notion that Napoli is already strong enough. Altamura asserts that while the team is good, it still requires reinforcements. He specifically calls for at least one central defender and, personally, a midfielder. While Gilmour is seen as a useful alternative to Lobotka, Altamura points out that losing Elmas and only having Folorunsho as an additional option is not ideal. In his view, Napoli needs at least three signings: a central defender, a right-back, and a midfielder, with the striker position also remaining a point of discussion.

On the subject of Lucca's brace, Altamura acknowledges that it's always positive when a striker scores, and statistically, Lucca has outperformed Hojlund in friendlies. However, he cautions against being swayed by a double against Aris Thessaloniki. He views Lucca as a gamble as an alternative to Hojlund, considering the striker's potential susceptibility to dips in form. Altamura suggests careful consideration before making a definitive decision on his future.

Regarding the new utilization of Kevin De Bruyne, Altamura finds it a very interesting solution. He has always believed that De Bruyne's ideal role is as an attacking midfielder or a central infiltrator behind the striker. He feels that using him as a left-sided midfielder as an alternative to McTominay might be challenging, as De Bruyne may lack the pace to consistently perform in that role for an entire match. However, in a more hybrid position, he believes De Bruyne can remain lethal.

The key challenge for Allegri, according to Altamura, will be convincing De Bruyne to accept occasional spells on the bench. He likens it to a "sixth man" in basketball, emphasizing that at 35, energy management is crucial. Allegri needs to make De Bruyne understand that he can start or come off the bench to be decisive depending on the opponent and the match situation. Altamura notes that Allegri has managed numerous champions and that successfully integrating De Bruyne into this rotation could be a significant asset.

Altamura does not believe Gabriel Jesus would arrive as a mere alternative to Hojlund. He sees Jesus as a versatile player who, while starting as a striker in Brazil, has played extensively as a wide attacker in Europe. While not particularly enthusiastic about him, given his perceived declining trajectory despite being only 29, Altamura suggests that if Napoli can secure a favorable economic package, such as a loan with an option to buy and Arsenal contributing to his wages, he could be a good addition.

He envisions Gabriel Jesus not just as a backup for Hojlund but potentially playing as a winger or, in certain matches, alongside the Danish striker in a two-man attack. This partnership could offer Napoli tactical surprise elements. Altamura reiterates that Allegri's ability to read and adapt games mid-match is one of his core strengths, solidifying his status as a top-tier European coach in this regard.