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What a season for the city of Naples! After losing several influential players like Kalidou Koulibaly, Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne, few could have predicted how this season would go for Napoli.  As a matter of fact, we found that very few punters actually included Napoli in their bet prediction ahead of the Serie A season. 

A transfer window kitty of roughly €60 million meant that Napoli had to prioritize proper “value for money” bargains in the transfer market as opposed to what the average big club does by just splashing cash on big names.  

Here’s how they parlayed that relative disadvantage into a dominant Serie A display (and win) and in the process, provided amazing value for punters who consistently placed bets on Napoli high odds over the course of the season.  

**Summer signings** 

To challenge for the Scudetto, Napoli made some (in hindsight) astute signings such as these players:  

**Khvicha Kvaratskhelia**: Georgian wide forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was signed for a measly €10 Million from Georgian side, Dinamo Batumi to replace former captain Lorenzo Insigne and he proved to be arguably the signing of the season in the Italian Serie A.  

The previously unknown wide man was in inspirational form throughout the season, producing top-notch performances week in, week out and putting Europe’s biggest clubs on notice. He eventually finished with 14 goals and 11 assists to help lead Napoli to their 3rd Scudetto win ever with five games to spare, well ahead of the chasing pack.  

He settled in so quickly and forged such a strong partnership with Victor Osimhen that this season, punters realized incredible value betting on Napoli every weekend due to how much they overperformed preseason expectations.  

**Kim Min Jae**: Club Manager Luciano Spalletti also brought in South Korean Centre Back Kim Min Jae to replace Kalidou Koulibaly. The Ivorian centre back had left Naples in search of greener pastures and a greater chance at winning trophies in England. Unfortunately for the new Chelsea defender, that was not how it turned out.  Kim’s commanding performances quickly made sure that the Senegalese captain was not missed one bit while Koulibaly floundered in a terrible Chelsea team. 

Marshalling a league-best defense that conceded just 28 goals this season is no mean feat before you also consider that a summer signing without time to settle achieved that. Little wonder the South Korean centre back is a target for Europe’s biggest sides. 

**Ndombele and Anguissa:** Tuanguy Ndombele (on loan from Tottenham Hotspurs) and Zambo Anguissa (Permanent Transfer from Fulham) also joined in the summer to provide some needed steel, guile and legs to the Napoli midfield and boosted their flagging careers in the process.  

**The star of the show** 

It is worth noting that all of these top performers were the supporting cast to the main man of the show, Nigeria’s very own Victor Osimhen who led the line for Napoli in outstanding fashion. The gangly striker scored 26 league goals (31 goals in all competitions) to lead his club to a 90-point Scudetto win and claim the title of Capocannoniere for the 2022/2023 Serie A season. 

**The other elite sides**
Despite all their off-field issues, Inter Milan, A.C. Milan, and Juventus, who were initially the bookmakers’ preseason favorites, have proven to be formidable opponents for Napoli throughout the season.  

However, it can be argued that their deep runs in European competitions and the Coppa Italia cup have come at a cost, serving as distractions from the pursuit of the domestic title. These distractions have hindered the last three champions from performing at their optimal best in the league.  

Furthermore, other contenders such as Roma, Lazio, and Atalanta also fell off along the way, as keeping up with Napoli’s relentless pace proved to be impossible for the other Serie A favorites. 

**Predictions for next season **

As it stands, Napoli will be favorites to successfully defend their title next season. Inter Milan were unlucky to lose against Manchester City last weekend and will hope to challenge for the title if they manage to keep important players like Nicolo Barella, Lautaro Martinez and Andre Onana. 

AC Milan will aim to replace the now-retired Zlatan Ibrahimovic and refresh other sections of their squad. That will be difficult to do, however, as certain members of their first team (Rafael Leao, for example) are angry at the departure of Paolo Maldini.  

Juventus have pulled through from more difficult positions, but it’s hard to see how they get out of this one. Missing out on the UCL hurts their ability to recruit the type of player that would improve their squad and replace wantaway players like Dusan Vlahovic and Federico Chiesa. Replacing the now-departed Ange di Maria will also prove to be an issue for the Old Lady. 

Roma, Lazio and Atalanta will be contenders next season, but that will hinge on what kind of players they can attract.  

Pertinent questions remain. Such as “Can Roma really sign Marco Verratti”? Will Jose Mourinho stay next season or will he join Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and co over in the Saudi League? Can Lazio add the pieces they need to contend? Can Atalanta get back to their 2020-2022 heights?  

[Bet on whether Victor Osimhen to stay at Napoli @ 1.83](https://m.betking.com/sports/match/5299693/victor-osimhen-to-sign-for-before-3rd-of-september) 
[Bet on Sofyan Amrabat to still be at Fiorentina by September 3rd @ 5.50](https://m.betking.com/sports/match/5348465/sofyan-amrabat-to-sign-for-before-3rd-of-september) 
[Bet on Dusan Vlahovic to still be a Juventus player by September 3rd @ 2.50](https://m.betking.com/sports/match/5334455/dusan-vlahovic-to-sign-for-before-3rd-of-september)  

One thing is for sure, however. Next season promises to be entertaining as usual in Serie A.  

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