Napoli 'starting from zero again'

Napoli ended their 33-year wait for a Serie A title last season in spectacular fashion by securing it with five games to spare, but with new management and recent history against them, retaining it could be a very tough task. They begin their title defence at promoted Frosinone on Saturday.

Looking to become the first team to win Serie A in back-to-back seasons since Juventus in 2020, Napoli will be coached by Rudi Garcia, who took over after title-winning manager Luciano Spalletti left on a season-long sabbatical.

The Frenchman is experienced but has had limited success in terms of silverware, with a Ligue 1 title and a French Cup victory the only two trophies on his CV.

His integration also cannot have been helped by the departure of long-time football director Cristiano Giuntoli, who left the club to join Juventus last month.

Garcia acknowledged the scale of the task facing Napoli during his unveiling.

"The title should give belief to the players but when the new season begins we're starting again from zero," he said.

"The players have to kind of forget about what they've accomplished before."

Ahead of the 2022-23 season, there were serious question marks over Napoli, after they lost a string of first-team regulars including Lorenzo Insigne, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Dries Mertens.

This time around, however, they have kept hold of their best players in Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia - the Serie A's Golden Boot winner and Player of the Season respectively.

Striker Osimhen, who scored 26 league goals last season, is close to signing a new contract extension while Napoli are also reportedly working on tying down winger Kvaratskhelia to a long-term deal.

"I want Osimhen happy," Garcia said. "The club and the player have done a good job. He's a driving force, we ask him for goals. When (the contract) is official he can dedicate himself to matters on the pitch and I like that more."

Napoli have worked with speed and efficiency in the transfer market.

Kim Min-jae, who joined Bayern Munich, has been replaced by Brazilian defender Natan, while Swede Jens Cajuste has been signed to give options in midfield after Tanguy Ndombele left the club after the conclusion of his loan spell.