Napoli, why Fabio Miretti is the right man for Conte | OneFootball

In the past few hours, the name of Fabio Miretti has resurfaced in connection with Napoli, with the Azzurri potentially pushing for the Juventus-owned class of 2003 player to fill the role of the sixth midfielder, thus completing the department that has already reached an excellent level with the acquisition of Kevin De Bruyne. The now former Genoa player, who remains in the race to secure the Italian's card, would indeed be a great addition to Antonio Conte's squad, and now I'll explain why.

Miretti, another "De Bruyne" for Conte

From a tactical point of view, Miretti is a player with offensive characteristics who can play both as a mezzala and as a trequartista, although in recent times he has played as a true second striker, albeit with little success. Able to play between the lines, he is skilled in linking the midfield with the attack thanks to an excellent vision of the game that distinguishes him among the young Italians in Serie A. Practically, the player most similar to Miretti that Napoli currently has in the squad is Kevin De Bruyne (with due proportions): Conte's idea, as seen through the market, is to have as many quality players as possible compared to the quantity players who were already present in the squad before the market and thanks to whom the Azzurri fans have triumphed for the fourth time in Italy.

Miretti would add, obviously starting from the bench following the individual level of the players, an extra option for Napoli in times of need: he is capable of both holding the ball and managing possession as well as making the right choice in a delicate offensive situation. However, and this has greatly influenced his judgment over the season, Miretti has lacked goals: being, probably, the highest quality player in Genoa's squad, more efficiency in front of the goal was expected with the class of 2003 registering only 3 goals and 3 assists, considered few for a player with these capabilities.

Miretti, age helps: UEFA list and Serie A list

Miretti, despite playing for many years in Serie A, a competition in which he debuted at just 18 years old, remains, fortunately, an Under 22, meaning a player who does not occupy any additional space in the Serie A list: this rule, which Napoli has used in the past, for example, with Rafa Marin or Kvaratskhelia, is an incentive for the Azzurri to focus on him. The same applies to UEFA: with all the matches that Napoli will have to play during the season, having a player in the lists who is not counted concretely would leave space for another player who, otherwise, could not be included. Miretti will turn 22 next August 3rd, allowing the team he joins to list him as an Under: in a season where Frank Anguissa will be absent for more than three weeks due to the Africa Cup of Nations, this is a really important opportunity not to be missed.

Miretti, Manna's protégé and the price: the class of 2003 is not in Juve's plans

Giovanni Manna, sporting director of Napoli, has known Fabio Miretti since he was young, as the current Azzurri director was crucial for his growth during his time at Juventus, where he was in charge of the youth sector and then the second team. The Napoli sporting director would be happy to bring him to the Azzurri, and since the relations between him and his agent are very positive, this situation could benefit Conte who agrees with the transfer. Moreover, Juventus needs to cash in on a player they no longer intend to focus on: the price being discussed in recent hours fluctuates between 10 and 15 million euros, an absolutely low cost compared to the crazy demands made for players who perhaps are not even worth half as much.

Fabio Miretti for Napoli, at these figures and at this point in both the club's and the player's history, is a deal to be closed. The possibility of having an Italian Under 22 with these tactical characteristics for such a "low" figure is an opportunity that Manna understands well and must try to materialize: of course, it remains to be seen if an agreement with Juventus will be found, as they might raise the demand to avoid selling a player to a rival, and if the player himself is interested in Napoli as a destination. However, the class of 2003 is a market opportunity for everyone at these figures: Miretti will leave the Old Lady in search of the definitive leap in quality for his career which, in a team like Napoli, could become brighter than he even expects.

Mario Di Domenico

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.