Napoli A Surprise Resurgence Napoli A Surprise Resurgence

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Recent historyAugust 2004, Napoli wasdeclared bankrupt, with Sparky Anderson Jersey debts of up to 70 million. It looked as if this historical Italian footballgiant had completely disappeared. Only for thewell renownedItalianfilm producer Aurelio De Laurentiis tocome to the rescue. As they were not allowed to use their old name, they becameNapoli Soccer. The Italian FAplaced them in Serie C1, the third division, and they narrowly mi sed out on promotion that season.The fans remained faithful throughout, with average attendances of40,000, higher then mostSeria A teams. The following season they secured promotion and De James McCann Jersey Laurentiisacquired their original name; S.S.C Napoli. After just one season in Seria B, they were promoted on the final day of the season. In the last two seasonsthey have remained in the top half of the tableand haveconsistently challenged for the Europa league.This season Under manager Walter Mazzarri, Napoli currentlylie second in Seria A. Four points behind AC Milan and two points ahead of Roma. Not many pundits would have predicted it, especially when they lost one of their best players; Fabio Quagliarella to Juventus.So how did a teamwhowere non-existent in 2004rebuild tochallenge for the title this season?Maybe Mikie Mahtook Jersey a bit of luck? The answer isnt as simple as that, Napoletani are renowned for never giving up, boundle s energy combined with total disorganization. Not only that but in recent years their scouts have snapped up world cla s talent for nothing. Examples of thisinclude Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi, who have carried the team in recent seasons. Another turning point this season was the signing of Edison Cavani from Palermo. The Argentine, has already scored fourteen goals and looks lethal in the box.Paolo Cannavaro, Fabiosyounger brother, has provided defensive stabilityeven against the best attackers. They normallyplay a3-5-2 in general so they Ryan Carpenter Jersey are solid in midfield. The futureIt remains to be seen this season, but the futurelooks bright for Napoli. As long as they dontlose focus they look solid.The only thing that troubles meis that they Kirk Gibson Jersey lack an emerging Italian star to contribute to the development of Italian football. Intrinsically linked to Napoli is Diego Maradona, although he is not their future, his words sum up the e sence of Naples.I dont like the fact that now everybody is asking Neapolitans to be Italian and to support their national team. Naples has always been marginalised by the rest of Italy. It is a city that suffers the most unfair racismDiego Armando Marardona, June 1990