Mourinho does have a point. I watched the Milan derby last night, and from a neutral perspective it was even better than a Champions League game. Both teams showed the kind of skill and tenacity it takes to compete for the Scudetto. Napoli has shown lots of heart, but the richest teams in Serie A all have thoroughbreads at every position. After watching our reserves struggle against Bologna, I’m worried our depth will be a factor, especially if we go on a big UEFA Cup run.

Right now our squad is in good shape to qualify directly for the Europa League next year. However, if we can sustain a Champions League spot until January, De Laurentiis might choose to spend big in order to improve the team. There are always rumours linking us with South Americans – the latest two names were River Plate midfielder Diego Buonanotte and 17 year old Uruguayan striker Abel Hernandez. Napoli has also been linked with unsettled Real Madrid midfielder Royston Drenthe. This kind of speculation is fun to read but the rumours rarely become reality.

It is more likely Napoli will sign a player like Siena’s Daniele Galloppa. Although foreign players can turn out great – see Lavezzi and Gargano – foreigners are a higher risk proposition. If for whatever reason they don’t work out, you can be stuck with a non EU player whose high wages might be a turn off for other teams. If Italians are a bust, it’s an easier problem to solve.

On the injury front, Lavezzi is healing faster than expected and will likely play some part in Thursday’s epic showdown with Benfica. Iezzo’s broken nose will keep him out of the lineup a bit longer, while Bogliacino is still recovering from a broken ankle.

Finally, much respect to Luigi Vitale, who is now being scouted by Pierluigi Casiraghi for the U-21 Azzurri. I have watched Vitale a lot and you can see him growing into a solid two way player. He’s still young so he’ll continue making some mistakes, but his goal in the first leg against Benfica proved he could be a big game player. The Castellamare di Stabia native has won the starter’s job from Daniele Mannini, and should keep developing.

I’ll be back later with a preview of Napoli’s 2nd leg UEFA Cup showdown in Lisbon.

Rumours were flying around that Udinese and Fiorentina are also in on the chase to bring the young Napoletano into their sides. Nocerino has nixed Udinese and claims Napoli is the only other location for him . Nocerino has already said that “If I’m not a part of the plan [for Juventus], sell me to Napoli.” It’s unlikely Juventus will find a spot for the talented midfielder and they seem determined to either send him off on loan or sell him outright.

The scenario may be complicated by Pavel Nedved and Mauro Camoranesi. Both
players are making noises that they’ll either retire (Nedved) or seek to ply their trade elsewhere (Camo) if they don’t get more lira from the Old Lady. While I feel no love for Juventus it must be frustrating to hear these two keep whining about one thing or another. Nedved threatened to retire earlier this year when he received a five-match ban and Camoranesi? Guh, really why get into it? These two knuckleheads better not piss on my Nocerino parade.

I’ve previously professed my love for Nocerino. He’s a demon with his work rate and hustle. It’s unlikely Italy would have secured a spot in the 2008 Olympics if it weren’t for his exploits against Portugal. Nocerino is an absolute beast and getting better. Here’s hoping the Old Lady don’t know what they have in front of them.

Update:   Then again, maybe not. No sooner do I post the above, step away from the computer to get some work done and cut the grass and blahblahblah. I’m greeted with news that Fiorentina swooped in and grabbed Nocerino right from under Napoli’s nose. Once again Marino is outfoxed by the Viola and now has to eat crow.

The wheels started to turn here when Juventus released their list of players who were going to pre-season training (a bit early isn’t it?). Nocerino wasn’t on the list and the next thing you know Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio announced the dramatic turn of events with Nocerino going to Fiorentina for 4 millione euro. 4 million euro?!?!? To get a player who was creaming to play at San Paolo and you let him slip between your fingers? Unforgiveable.

During the winter break Pier Paolo Marino guaranteed Arsenal starlet and Azzurrini striker was “all but signed.” Shortly thereafter, Fiorentina’s Pantaleo Corino pantses Marino and picks him up. Lupoli was another Napoletano who was talking openly about how great it would be to play in his home town. I’d say it makes me want to hate Fiorentina but the blame has to lie with Marino. Twice in seven months he’s been thisclose to signing a young hometown boy and twice there’s nothing to show for it.

Time to break out lots and lots of this: