Serie A: The Unassailable Truth of Napoli
Novellino wasted no time in delivering his boldest prophecy for the top flight: “Napoli, then the others.” It’s a statement that might seem straightforward after their dominant Scudetto win, yet in Italian football, sustained success is often a myth. Novellino’s conviction, however, points to an underlying strength he perceives, suggesting that despite potential changes and renewed competition, Napoli’s foundation remains formidable enough to ward off challengers.
Beyond the title race, Novellino also weighed in on significant coaching shifts. The appointments of Cristian Chivu at Inter and Andrea Cuesta at Parma sparked his commentary on the age-old debate between youthful promise and veteran wisdom. For Chivu, Novellino hinted at a surprise, acknowledging his roots within Inter’s youth system. Cuesta’s move to Parma, however, elicited a more classic Novellino response: “A coach isn`t invented: he must be capable and have experience. I believe strongly in the apprenticeship.” It’s a subtle nod to the grind, the `gavetta` – the hard-earned lessons on the lower rungs that, in Novellino’s view, forge true leadership.
Sampdoria: A Club Adrift in Troubled Waters
Perhaps the most poignant part of Novellino`s assessment centered on his former club, Sampdoria. The Gênoa-based side, once a formidable presence, now finds itself navigating a tempest of corporate turbulence and financial woes. Novellino`s lament was palpable, painting a picture of a club in crisis, a situation he clearly finds disheartening.
He expressed concern over the persistent societal problems, emphasizing that economic obstacles are “no small hindrance.” His plea was for clarity and concrete action: “I would like the club to give a signal. I expect something concrete, positive.” While mentioning Massimo Donati as the presumed coach, he didn`t shy away from acknowledging the good work done by Evani, suggesting that the coaching efforts might be undermined by issues higher up. It`s a classic case where the best tactical mind can`t compensate for a fractured foundation, leaving coaches and players alike in a state of precarious uncertainty.
Serie B: The Grinding Reality and Key Contenders
Shifting gears to the equally captivating, yet perhaps more brutal, landscape of Serie B, Novellino offered a glimpse into its unique demands. He described the league as “always difficult. Particular.” For him, the bedrock of success in the second division is defensive solidity: “The important thing is not to concede goals. And you need the right men for this.” It’s a pragmatic view, underscoring the physical and often attritional nature of the championship, where a tight defense often trumps flamboyant attack.
When pressed for his favorites, Novellino highlighted a quartet of teams he believes are well-positioned: Palermo, Empoli, Monza, and Venezia. These clubs, in his seasoned opinion, possess the attributes necessary to navigate the arduous Serie B marathon, from the tactical discipline to the “right men” for the job.
The Adorante Aside: A Nuance of Wisdom
A peculiar nugget of wisdom emerged when discussing Venezia’s new attacking acquisition, Adorante, from Juve Stabia. Despite Adorante’s positive performances, Novellino’s take was unexpected: “He did very well at Juve Stabia. But it would have been better if he had stayed there.” When probed further, he elaborated that Adorante “was very important at Juve Stabia where the coach was also very important.” It’s a logic that perhaps only a seasoned veteran, intimately familiar with the delicate ecosystem of a developing player and a smaller club, could fully appreciate. Sometimes, the `big move` isn`t always the best move, especially if it disrupts a perfectly calibrated balance built around a player`s strengths and a coach’s guiding hand.
