S.S.C. NAPOLI

[Sundance]

Still fighting it out with Genoa for that second spot. It looks more and more like a final day showdown.

Don't know if you guys saw it or maybe it was even posted somewhere since I haven't had a chance to be around for a couple of weeks, but there was a great little story on TV the other day about Sophia Loren saying she would do a striptease if Napoli wins promotion.

I wish we could take her back in time about 40 years for that.

[D-Kin]

Napoli are back in Serie A!!

Napoli Coach Edi Reja could not hide his satisfaction after leading the Azzurri from Serie C to top-flight football.

The Partenopei returned to Serie A after six years, following the draw with Genoa, who were also automatically promoted because of the 10-point gap with Piacenza which meant that the play-offs were unnecessary.

“Two promotions in two years are definitely a feat, it wasn’t easy,” Reja told the Press.

“I want to compliment us and Genoa and I want to thank this club, they always backed me when things were difficult. If we managed to reach this objective it’s mainly thanks to them,” added the tactician.

“The lads played an excellent championship, it is never easy to work in a city like Naples when you are favoured and you feel the pressure.

“Now the only thing that counts is that we were promoted automatically, it would have been unfair for both us and Genoa to face the play-offs.”

President Aurelio De Laurentiis stated that Reja is part of a long-term project and the Azzurri boss confirmed that he will speak with the management this week.

“De Laurentiis and [director general Pierpaolo] Marino offered me a contract renewal, but I preferred to wait.

“We will discuss the issue this week, I am sure there will be no problems at all.

“I only want to celebrate, although I am sure that many of those who criticised me will now be hailing me, but it doesn’t matter, we will go to Serie A with them as well,” concluded Reja.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Jager]

Simply amazing, I feel this is only the begining. If they are run well, the world is theres.

The don't have the big business money in Naples, but they have other things that could make them regulars in Serie A for many years to come, and UEFA cup hopefuls.

[D-Kin]

Their repuation will be key.

Despite only just gaining promotion big name players will want to sign for them.

[Aladino]

Nice catch by Napoli, great talent he is

Napoli capture Hamsyk Thursday 28 June, 2007

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Napoli have confirmed that they have completed the signing of Brescia starlet Marek Hamsyk.

The 19-year-old Slovakian impressed in Serie B last season and was a reported target for numerous clubs in England, Spain and Italy – including Chelsea and Juventus.

“Napoli have signed Hamsyk from Brescia – the midfielder has signed a contract until 2012,” read a statement on the club’s website.

“I am very happy and proud to play for such a prestigious club as Napoli,” said Hamsyk. “I cannot wait to wear this famous shirt and meet my teammates.”

Hamsyk, who started his career with Slovak Bratislava, joined Brescia in 2004 and played 40 matches last season, scoring 10 times.

[Jager]

Maradona has told Riquelme to play for the 80,000 of San Paolo week in week out, if he is unable to remain at Boca and to win the Intercontinental Cup (vs Milan with them).. Riquelme is valued at 18 million, but Villareal are understood to be willing to accept a lower deal in the region of 10mill, as Riquelme is unsettled and unwilling to continue playing for the 'yellow submarines'.. De Laurentiis and Marino are unlikely to be able to afford his wages, but Maradona has offered himself as a mediator.. All will become clear in the next couple of weeks with regards to Riquelme's future as the after the Copa Libatadores win. In Buenos Aires there have been reports of indirect contact with Juve representatives.. One thing is for sure says Riquelme 'I won't be playing for Villarreal, so I need to find a new club'

Article (In Italian)
http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA...07/06_Giugno/2 0/riquelme.shtml

[D-Kin]

Napoli are being strongly linked with Franco Semioli.
channel4.com - Football Italia

[Aladino]

Marek Hamsik & Ezequiel Lavezzi Presented At Napoli

[Jager]

Calaio ready to star Monday 23 July, 2007

Napoli striker Emanuele Calaio is looking forward to the chance to shine on the Serie A stage and has set 10 goals as his target.

The Sicilian hitman played a crucial part in securing promotion for the Vesuviani last term with a 14-goal haul and is relishing the chance to get a first proper shot at the top flight.

“It’s my time to be a key player in a championship,” he claimed. “I’m 25 and now I must make the leap of quality because not everyone gets the chance to wear such a prestigious shirt at this age.

“This year’s will be a great Serie A, full of champions, but also young strikers like Antonio Floro Flores and Fabio Quagliarella.”

Napoli have been relatively quiet in the summer transfer market and start life in Serie A with the skeleton of the side that won promotion and Calaio sees this as a positive factor.

“If you look at sides who have done excellent things in recent years like Chievo and Empoli you can see how keeping the back bone of the old side is an advantage,” the Sicilian marksman stressed.

“I want to acquit myself well and reach double figures for goals. If director general Pierpaolo Marino decides to bring in any other quality player to give us a hand he will be greeted warmly.”

The Partenopei’s first competitive action will be on August 8 in the Trofeo Birra Moretti when they face Inter and Juventus.

channel4.com - Football Italia


I know very little of this kid, and Napoli have done very little on the transfer market...surely they are not done?

[Jager]

Official: Napoli grab Gargano Tuesday 24 July, 2007

Napoli have beaten the competition to snatch Uruguayan international midfielder Walter Gargano, confirmed the club.

Gargano turns 23 years of age later this week and has put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the newly promoted side.

The Copa America star had been eager for a move to Serie A, but earlier today his agent had suggested the San Paolo would not be his destination.

“He’s close to Lazio,” explained Vincenzo D’Ippolito. “The lad wants a big club and, with the Napoli talks having collapsed, only the Biancocelesti can satisfy his requirements.

“Atalanta were very interested but, with all due respect, they are not one of the big sides. Fiorentina could’ve been, but there’s very little chance of that happening. He’d forge a great midfield partnership with Cristian Ledesma.”

Instead only a few hours later Napoli announced the arrival of Gargano and it seems that the intervention of fellow Uruguayan Napoli star Mariano Bogliacino proved decisive.

“I am very happy to have had Gargano’s handshake, albeit only across the phone, to complete this deal,” said President Aurelio De Laurentiis.

“Director general Marino had already reached an agreement, but could not formalise it until the player got his EC passport.

“Other clubs had tried to intercept the negotiations, but Gargano was only interested in Napoli and I welcome him to the Azzurri.”

Gargano has played the last four seasons in Uruguay with Danubio, scoring three goals in 83 appearances.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Aladino]

Calaio did well last season. I quite like him, and he is boosting with confidence. I hope he does well. I can't wait to watch him

[Jager]

Was he the "spiderman" guy?

[Jager]

Gargano lives Napoli dream Wednesday 25 July, 2007

Uruguayan midfielder Walter Gargano has revealed his delight at becoming newly-promoted Napoli’s latest signing.

The diminutive 22-year-old has been in the Partenopei’s sights for weeks, but there had been rumours that Lazio had gazumped the Vesuviani.

However, Napoli revealed that they had clinched the deal on Tuesday and Gargano is has already arrived at their pre-season camp in the Austrian resort of Feldkirchen.

“I’m very happy to be a Napoli player,” he announced. “The delay in signing the contract was due to problems linked to immigration, but now the dream is a reality.

“I can’t wait to see the atmosphere at the San Paolo, playing in front of 50,000 fans. I’m not scared though because I’ve experienced the atmopshere of the Copa Libertadores.”

The Uruguay international has just returned from the Copa America in Venezuela and becomes the 100th foreigner to join the club, following in the footsteps of South American greats such as Diego Maradona [pictured] and Careca.

“My job is to steal the ball and launch attacks,” he continued. “I’m part Gennaro Gattuso part David Pizarro.”

Gargano also revealed the motivation behind his decision to choose Napoli over several other high-profile sides.

“Alvaro Recoba told me that Napoli was the right stage and his opinion counts,” the £2m man concluded.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Jager]

[quote]Napoli contact Saint-Etienne for Feindouno
tribalfootball.com - Napoli contact Saint-Etienne for Feindouno

[Sundance]

Hey guys. Sorry I haven't been around much this summer, but things have been hectic. Just wanted to stop in and say hello. As you can imagine, I'm thrilled about being back in Serie A and very excited about all the new signings (as well as some that might still come about). It's been a long time since I've been looking forward to a new season as much as this one! 8)