Napoli might miss the boat on European qualification this year after their Scudetto win last season. Francesco Calzona, the Napoli coach, is resolute about ending the season well, even after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Udinese that further dashed their European aspirations.
The game saw Victor Osimhen score in the 51st-minute, only for Isaac Success of Udinese to equalize in injury time, leaving Napoli nine points behind Atalanta and Roma in fifth and sixth place in Serie A. Calzona expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance and urged the management to make Naples a strong contender in the future.
Midway through their Scudetto-winning campaign in 2022-23, Napoli had 50 points, but this season, they only have 51 after 35 games, limiting their goals to securing a Europa League spot. Calzona stressed the importance of European qualification as Napoli looks ahead to the 2024-25 season, emphasizing the need to be more decisive and impactful in games to secure better results.
Napoli’s upcoming matches against fourth-placed Bologna and Fiorentina, who are just behind them in ninth place, will be crucial as they seek to salvage their European dreams this season.
