The failure to secure a berth in a European competition could precipitate significant challenges for Napoli, particularly as prominent clubs express interest in their key players.
Napoli, currently under the stewardship of Francesco Calzona, their third head coach this season subsequent to the dismissals of Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri, face a season marked by inconsistency, characterized by dismal performances and waning morale.
Presently occupying the ninth position in the Serie A standings, Napoli trails fourth-placed Bologna by 11 points. In the upcoming Champions League fixture, they are scheduled to visit Catalonia for the second leg of their Round of 16 encounter against Barcelona, with the aggregate score poised at 1-1.
An analysis on page 14 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport suggests that Napoli may encounter difficulties in retaining their star players during the summer transfer window if they fail to secure qualification for the Champions League or Europa League.
While the departure of Victor Osimhen in the summer appears imminent irrespective of Champions League qualification, others such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are likely to seek an exit should the club’s overarching vision falter.