Napoli’s win over Crotone earned the Partenopei three points, but the impression is that it still papered over a number of cracks, if one can exclude Manolo Gabbiadini’s sending off for a wanton kick on Gian Marco Ferrari.
It’s been an especially difficult time for Lorenzo Insigne: the star of the show last season with six goals in his first nine league appearances, the local star has failed to find the back of the net even once this time round.
Even worse, Insigne has found himself in a timeshare with Dries Mertens, with the Belgian having the better of the matchup so far.
His problems on the pitch have gone hand in hand with those off it: his tears after the Besiktas game typified his poor form, Napoli’s loss and his declining relationship with a demanding fanbase.
Moreover, Lorenzo il Magnifico has lost his place in the Italy squad, as well as the chance to sign a new, €4 million-a-season deal, with president Aurelio De Laurentiis firmly vetoing a new contract.
There is a silver lining for Insigne, however: tonight’s game against Empoli will likely see him started again, with Manolo Gabbiadini and Arkadiusz Milik out. Were he to do well, he’d have a chance to start against Juventus. The sky’s the limit for this young man, and we can only hope that he realises his potential in Serie A, and not with the increasingly insistent clubs who are trying to make the most of the situation, Liverpool and Valencia being in the front row.
@EdoDalmonte
