Explore why Napoli’s 2025 season has unraveled after their historic Scudetto win. Tactical missteps, transfers, and leadership all under the spotlight.
Napoli’s Post-Scudetto Journey: What Went Wrong?
The 2022/23 Serie A season was a historic triumph for Napoli. After more than three decades of waiting, the club finally lifted the Scudetto, returning to the summit of Italian football. Under Luciano Spalletti, they played breathtaking attacking football, won the league with games to spare, and looked like a team built for long-term dominance. Fast-forward to the 2024/25 season, however, and Napoli finds itself in disarray—drifting away from the top of the table, riddled with inconsistency, and facing serious questions about their direction.
So, what exactly went wrong for Xe88 Napoli after their glorious Scudetto campaign? This article dives deep into the key factors contributing to their post-title struggles.
1. The Spalletti Exit: A Leadership Vacuum
Perhaps the biggest shock to hit Napoli after their title win was the departure of head coach Luciano Spalletti. The tactician announced a sabbatical soon after winning the league, catching fans and management off-guard. His exit left a gaping void in leadership and tactical clarity.
Spalletti’s fluid system, focused on quick transitions, pressing, and positional rotations, was central to Napoli’s success. Replacing such a system requires time, patience, and a manager with a similar vision. Unfortunately, Napoli’s new coaching staff struggled to match Spalletti’s tactical acumen, leading to confusion and a drop in performance consistency.
2. Managerial Instability: From Identity to Confusion
Rudi Garcia was brought in as Spalletti’s successor, but his tenure was short-lived. Despite his previous experience in Serie A with Roma, Garcia never managed to imprint his style or win over the dressing room. The players appeared disoriented, and the system became stagnant.
A mid-season managerial change further disrupted rhythm and morale. The lack of a clear, unified tactical identity left Napoli vulnerable, especially against top teams with strong systems. Frequent changes in formations and player roles eroded the cohesion that was so evident during the title-winning campaign.
3. Transfer Market Missteps
Another key reason for Napoli’s struggles has been the lack of smart transfer activity post-Scudetto. While losing key players is part of football, failing to adequately replace them is a mistake.
Kim Min-jae, arguably Serie A’s best defender in 2022/23, was sold to Bayern Munich. His departure left a huge hole in the backline. Napoli failed to recruit a center-back of equal quality, and the defense—once their strength—became a vulnerability.
Moreover, the club’s inability to add depth in midfield and attack has exposed them in crucial moments. Injuries to key players like Victor Osimhen and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia have further highlighted their lack of options.
4. Osimhen & Kvaratskhelia: From World-Class to Targeted
Victor Osimhen and Kvicha Kvaratskhelia were the attacking engines behind Napoli’s Scudetto run. In 2022/23, they terrorized defenses with pace, power, and creativity. But post-title, both have struggled to replicate their form, partially due to tactical tweaks and partially because opponents now plan specifically to neutralize them.
Kvaratskhelia, for instance, is now routinely double-marked, with defenders cutting off his wide dribbles. Osimhen, plagued by injuries and off-field distractions related to potential transfers, hasn’t had the same dominant presence in the box. Without their magic, Napoli’s attack has looked blunt.
5. Defensive Disorganization
A key characteristic of Spalletti’s Napoli was defensive discipline. They kept their lines compact and pressed smartly, giving little away. Post-Scudetto, this defensive sharpness has deteriorated.
The backline has been leaky, often caught out by long balls or counterattacks. Goalkeeper Alex Meret, once solid, has also had a dip in form. The midfield’s inability to shield the defense has added to the issue, making Napoli easy to break down—especially against aggressive opponents.
6. Mental Fatigue and Complacency
Winning a title brings immense pressure to repeat success. Napoli, a team with little recent championship experience, appeared mentally drained at the start of the new season. The hunger and aggression that defined their rise seemed to wane.
Complacency crept in, as seen in dropped points against smaller teams and a general lack of urgency. The psychological toll of being “the team to beat” weighed heavily, and Napoli failed to evolve to meet this challenge.
7. Stronger Rivals, Sharpened Serie A
It’s also important to acknowledge that Napoli’s rivals have strengthened significantly. Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan have all improved tactically and personnel-wise. Serie A is no longer a one-horse race.
Clubs like Atalanta and Roma have become more consistent threats. Simply maintaining form is not enough. Without tactical evolution and depth, Napoli has struggled to keep pace in a rejuvenated league landscape.
Looking Ahead: Can Napoli Rebuild?
Despite the setbacks, Napoli’s future is not bleak. The core talent remains, and if the management can stabilize the coaching situation and invest smartly in the transfer market, a comeback is possible.
Here are some steps Napoli must take to regain competitiveness:
- Hire a tactically progressive manager who suits the club’s attacking DNA.
- Rebuild the defense, especially at center-back.
- Provide depth to support stars like Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia.
- Maintain morale and squad unity during turbulent periods.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale in Modern Football
Napoli’s post-Scudetto decline is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in modern football. Titles aren’t just about one great season—they’re about building a culture of consistent excellence. Napoli failed to capitalize on their momentum, and now must rebuild strategically if they want to remain relevant in the league.
As fans of Italian football, we must continue supporting our favorite clubs and holding them to high standards. If you’re passionate about the league, share your voice, support your team, and stay tuned for what’s next in Serie A’s ever-dramatic storyline.
