Football Italia
·18 November 2024
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·18 November 2024
Former Napoli defender Beppe Bruscolotti believes Inter remain Serie A title favourites, but the Partenopei’s brilliant summer signings make Antonio Conte’s side a credible contender.
Former Italian defender Bruscolotti, who was part of the Napoli squad that won the Scudetto for the first time in 1986-87, feels Inter remain the favourite to win the Serie A this term title thanks to a “strong and experienced team.” However, current table leaders Napoli can dream big thanks to new coach Antonio Conte and some excellent summer signings.
“Gilmour and McTominay are living up to expectations,” the 73-year-old told Corriere dello Sport.
“They are tough and perfectly fit Napoli’s playing style with their qualities. McTominay, in particular, was a great coup. He is tactically intelligent and physically structured and scores goals with his dangerous late runs. He truly is a great player.”
epaselect epa11713682 Napoli�s Scott McTominay (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the 1-0 lead during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Inter and Napoli at Giuseppe Meazza stadium in Milan, Italy, 10 November 2024. EPA-EFE/NICOLA MARFISI
Alessandro Buongiorno and Romelu Lukaku also moved to the Stadio Maradona last summer and have had an immediate impact at the club.
“Buongiorno has all the necessary values to become a captain: character, personality, sporting fairness, and leadership,” said Bruscolotti.
“It was clear he was ready to become a reference point for Italy and Napoli. De Laurentiis and Manna made an excellent signing. He is a great defender, and he’s proving it. We can only expect positive things and further improvements in the coming years.
“Lukaku has already scored a few goals and provided assists. I think he’s a precious resource for Conte in the dressing room,” concluded the ex-defender.
“With his experience and behaviour, Lukaku is also a leader and a reference point for his teammates. Players like him are fundamental in a group.”