How Napoli's Strongest XI Could Look by the Start of Next Season
In a disappointing campaign which sees them sat sixth in Serie A, way short of expectations after coming second last time out, Napoli will be keen to address some key problems in the summer transfer window.
Whether that's getting rid of some deadwood, promoting fringe players into fully fledged first team fixtures, or bringing in some world class talent, Gennaro Gatusso's side have a busy summer ahead of them.
Here's how their strongest XI could look next season if all pans out correctly for the Naples side.
GK - Alex Meret
Despite his struggles this year, Meret should remain Napoli's number one keeper going forward.
The 23-year old can only improve and should be trusted to make the first choice goalkeeper role his own, with David Ospina on the wrong side of 30.
RB - Giovanni Di Lorenzo
In his first season at the club, Di Lorenzo has been one of Napoli's most consistent players, whether that be in his natural right back position or filling in at centre back as he so often has.
Di Lorenzo has featured in all but one of the club's games thus far and has played every minute of those games. The right back position will continue to be his next season. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
CB - Amir Rrahmani
A breakout star for Hellas Verona this season, Rrahmani was signed back in January, but loaned back to Verona until the end of the season.
When the defender eventually arrives in Naples, expect him to step straight into the first team alongside Kostas Manolas, filling the void left behind by the seemingly inevitable departure of Kalidou Koulibaly.
CB - Kostas Manolas
In his first season at Napoli, Manolas has impressed the club's faithful with his impressive aerial ability and performances at the back despite the club's struggles.
Manolas has struggled with a couple of injuries, but expect him to be a mainstay at the back for Napoli going forward, forging a strong partnership with Rrahmani.
LB - Mário Rui
In large part due to Faouzi Ghoulam's injury ravaged campaign, Rui has made the starting left back position his own at Napoli.
The former Roma defender has put in consistent performances all season long and will retain his position next year - despite Ghoulam's return - as Napoli aim to steer themselves back to the upper-echelon of Serie A alongside Juventus.
CM - Nahitan Nández
With Allan seemingly set to leave Naples this summer, Napoli are going to need to replace the midfielder and recent reports from Calciomercato claim Cagliari's Nández is the man they want.
In his first season in Serie A, Nández has impressed for Cagliari and if things go their way Napoli will have the Uruguayan in their starting lineup next season. As always with transfer rumours, that's a big 'if'.
CM - Piotr Zieliński
The epitome of consistency, Zieliński hasn't missed more than two league games in any of his seasons at Napoli, impressing with his passing range and ability to retain possession.
The Polish midfielder has been ever-present for Napoli throughout his time in Naples and that won't change next year. He will again be a key figure in their starting lineup.
CM - Fabián Ruiz
Spanish midfielder Ruiz has gone from strength to strength since his arrival in Naples back in 2018. The 24-year old has been one of Napoli's best players this season, despite the team falling short of expectations.
The Spain international is a key figure for Gattuso's side, contributing two goals and two assists in 22 Serie A appearances from central midfield, and Napoli will be hoping to keep hold of him for the foreseeable future.
FW - Lorenzo Insigne
Club captain Insigne has been with Napoli since 2006 and that won't change any time soon. He remains one of their biggest threats in attack, posting five goals and five assists in the league so far this term.
Insigne will play a key role in Napoli's attack next season and will hope to help push Napoli back towards the peak of Italian football.
FW - Arkadiusz Milik
After a slow start to life in Italy, Polish forward Milik has really found his form in the last two years.
Milik had nine goals in just 16 appearances for Napoli before the league was suspended this season and Napoli will want him to replicate that form when next season rolls around - especially with José Callejón set to leave the club this summer.
FW - Dries Mertens
Having been linked with moves to numerous clubs around Europe, Mertens eased a lot of nerves throughout Naples when he agreed a new three year deal with the Serie A club, committing his future to the Blues.
Mertens has been Napoli's best player for several years now and Gattuso will need the Belgian in his starting lineup and at his best in his quest to improve on this season's struggles.