Napoli Preparing to Change Their Deputy Left-Back

Leonardo Spinazzola might leave Napoli just six months after joining in a free move from Roma. The left-back hasn’t been a regular since Antonio Conte switched from 3-4-2-1 to 4-3-3 earlier in the season. Mathias Olivera has started basically every game in recent months.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the defender spoke with the boss, who won’t obstruct his departure if he receives a good offer. He’s attracting interest from Real Betis and Saudi Arabia. He was already linked to such a league a few times near the end of his Giallorossi stay. Instead, he hasn’t received enticing proposals from other Italian sides for now. He has made 12 appearances so far, assisting once. On the other hand, he last started in Serie A back in mid-September. He’s been an unused sub in four of the last six rounds. He makes €1.8M annually.

Napoli have quickly identified Cristiano Biraghi as a potential replacement for Spinazzola. The Fiorentina captain is unhappy with his game time too. His agent Mario Giuffredi just announced he’d flee in January.

The Partenopei would be quick to pounce if they found a solution for their outcast. Conte already coached the 32-year-old at Inter in 2019/2020. He split time with Ashley Young and posted 3 goals and 7 assists in 37 appearances that year.

Our Take on Napoli, Spinazzola, and Biraghi

Other than in the recent Lazio game, Olivera has been solid and has grown a lot. His competitor should arguably get some more run when they need to score, but he’s never played regularly as a fullback. In the end, it’d be a lateral and minor transition.