Napoli spends big in January to turn around season

The Napoli are looking to turn around a disastrous season with a record-breaking winter transfer window.

After a poor start under Luciano Spalletti, the crisis continued under new coach Walter Mazzarri. The Azzurri are currently ninth in Serie A, 21 points behind leaders Inter Milan, and were knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Frosinone.

However, the Supercoppa Italiana gave some cause for hope. Napoli beat Fiorentina 3-0 in the semifinals, and although they lost the final to Inter 1-0, they were at least competitive.

Mazzarri’s decision to switch to a three-man defense has helped to improve the team’s form.

The club has also been active in the transfer market, bringing in three new players in January.

Leander Dendoncker arrived on loan from Aston Villa, with an option to buy for around €10 million.

Gianluca Mazzocchi joined from Salernitana for €3 million, and Cyril Ngonge arrived from Hellas Verona for €20 million.

Napoli are also working on a deal to sign Nehuén Pérez from Udinese for around €18 million.

If the deal goes through, it will be the club’s most expensive winter transfer window in history, with total spending exceeding €40 million.

The Azzurri have two major goals left this season: to qualify for the Champions League quarterfinals and to reach the FIFA Club World Cup.

They will be able to use three of their new signings against Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie on February 24.

With Osimhen and Anguissa returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Napoli will have one of the most complete squads in Serie A.

With some hard work, they could still salvage a disappointing season.