Speaking on the CRC radio show “A Pranzo con Chiariello” (Lunch with Chiariello), Sporting Director Walter Sabatini shared his thoughts. He expressed a strong affinity for the city of Napoli, particularly since the time of Luciano Spalletti, who is a friend of his. Sabatini mentioned that when Spalletti came to Naples, he supported his efforts to achieve great results, which indeed happened, accompanied by spectacular football. He felt the city deserved that success and that it was a positive experience for Spalletti.
Sabatini then made a brief, perhaps tangential, comment about historical influences, mentioning rereading the novel “The Leopard” for the third time and how the effects of Bourbon rule still seem present. He described that historical era as significant for Italy`s history, marking the Unification and the rise of the bourgeoisie in a society previously dominated by aristocratic landowners and widespread illiteracy, except among the clergy who were supported by the aristocracy.
Regarding Napoli`s Scudetto aspirations, Sabatini was cautious, stating he wouldn`t offer a prediction as he is a director, not a journalist, and must be careful with his words. However, he did remark that a potential Scudetto victory for Napoli would represent an “extraordinary feat,” especially considering it would defy expectations following last year`s “disastrous” conclusion to the season. He highlighted the team`s “fantastic and determined reaction” since then, attributing it primarily to the influence of Antonio Conte. He also commented on the transfer market, stating that Scott McTominay was the only “real signing” made in Italy this year.