As far as free-transfers go, Napoli’s acquisition of Emanuele Giaccherini last summer was considered a great capture by fans of the club. An impressive performance at Euro 2016 with Italy made up the mind of vesuviani coach Maurizio Sarri, that the 31-year-old was the man for him.
 

But that is as good as it got for both player and club as Sarri decided to play Giaccherini out wide as a deputy to Jose Callejon; a position not too familiar with a player who is more accustomed to playing in the middle of the park of as more of left-sided midfielder. With only 60 minutes of first-team action this season, the Italian international is frustrated and disappointed. His agent, Furio Valcareggi has stated that; “He has not got back to the best physical shape since the game against Germany and has trained very little but Sarri still has plans for him to be part of the group this season and he knows what his favourite positions are”.  

Positive words for sure but just a look at the players who are in front of Giaccherini in the pecking order at the San Paolo; Allan, Zielinski, Jorginho, suggests that he may have to be extremely patient or fortunate, to get his chance this season.


By Giovanni Scotto. Translated by Steve Mitchell