Results. As has previously been mentioned on this website, Napoli can be said to have achieved satisfactory results this season without ever maintaining consistency. The goals were threefold: to compete seriously for the Scudetto, to qualify for the second round of the Champions League and to produce a more aesthetically pleasing style of play. On the first two, Napoli obviously failed, however there are mitigating circumstances. The Champions League failure was not a failure, to come third to Borussia Dortmund (the finalists of the year before) and Arsenal (perennial CL contenders), while beating both at San Paolo and finishing on equal points with both of them is hardly failure. Napoli did not, however, really challenge for the Scudetto, and despite achieving the same points total as last season, finished in 3rd place unlike last year’s 2nd place.

 

Again, mitigating circumstances can be found: an even stronger Juventus than last year (thanks to the additions of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente) and a completely unexpected Roman resurgence thanks to Rudi Garcia. The style of play, while not yet a free flowing expansive game, has been notably improved in terms of ball possession and significantly in goals scored, Napoli scored a record 104 goals in all competitions. The lack of a Scudetto challenge should also be viewed within the context of having won the Coppa Italia, while maintaining a serious, if ultimately futile, Europa League challenge.

 

Key player. A difficult choice as all of Benitez’s signings have succeeded this year at Napoli. However, the gong will ultimately have to go Gonzalo Higuaín. Firstly, his mere signing showed that Napoli are able to compete at the top of the mercato table, if not the league table, by beating Arsenal to his signature. 46 appearances and 24 goals (in all competitions) is ample return for a debutant striker, with goals against Marseille and Arsenal in the CL, in the quarter and the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, and 17 goals in Serie A. Even when not playing well, which has happened for a couple of periods this season, he drags defences around with his clever runs, allowing the men like Callejón and Mertens to both hit double figures. Lastly, his mere presence has improved Napoli’s visibility and will help attract new signings this summer.

 

Flop player. Practically all the players inherited by Benitez from Mazzarri. However this unfortunate title has to go to Marek Hamšík, who promised so much after the opening few games of the season, but delivered so little. Hamšík scored three goals in the first two games of the season, but could only score four more throughout the rest of the campaign. It’s his lowest scoring season since joining Napoli in 2007, and the first time that he failed to reach double figures in all competitions.

 

Best moment. Despite winning a trophy in the Coppa Italia final, the best moment for Napoli this season came early on in September, when losing Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund visited the San Paolo stadium in Naples. Not only did Napoli win, but the victory was achieved with goals scored by the new star man Gonzalo Higuaín and by the only Neapolitan in the team, Lorenzo Insigne. This victory seemed to mark the entry of Napoli into the hallowed halls of the big Champions League teams. Unfortunately, Juan Camilo Zúñiga scored an own goal in the 88th minute, a goal which seemed inconsequential at the time as Napoli still achieved the victory. However Napoli failed to qualify for the second round on goal difference alone, and only one goal at that, despite memorably beating Arsenal 2-0 at the San Paolo.

 

What do they need for next season? It could be argued that despite winning a trophy and enjoying a Champions League qualifying season, Napoli still need major work, especially if they are to challenge for the Scudetto. It is still unknown who Napoli’s first choice custodian will be, as Pepe Reina’s future remains undecided. Mariano Andújar has already been signed but he is likely to be the back-up to somebody else. That somebody else could be the Brazilian Rafael Cabral, who has shown great promise since signing in the summer, however it is unknown when he will return, and in what state he will be in, since suffering an ACL tear in his right knee. The defence needs remodelling, with at least one centre back to be signed, and he has to be someone of the highest calibre if Napoli wishes to achieve the goals it has set for itself.

 

Benitez is also mulling over a new right back, as Maggio is declining as he is ageing. Finally, the midfield will need new blood. Maxime Gonalons looks a sure bet to be coming in, probably to replace Inler, and Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano has been interminably linked with Napoli since Benitez’s arrival. Higuaín also need more experienced back up than Duván Zapata, there is talk of Giampaolo Pazzini, with Blerim Džemaili going to AC Milan as a sweetener. Goran Pandev is likely to say goodbye to Naples, and it remains to be seen whether Edu Vargas will be integrated into the squad by Benitez after his successful loan period at Rafa’s old club, Valencia.

 

2013-2014 season analysis: Roma | Fiorentina | Inter | Milan