Ghoulam: Expected more from Napoli, Inter still scudetto favourites | OneFootball

Faouzi Ghoulam, former Napoli full-back and now a technical commentator for Sky on European competitions, gave a long interview to Corriere dello Sport.

Ghoulam: “I expected more from Napoli in the market. Inter remains the favorite for the title”

The Algerian player spoke about his former team, Inter's prospects, and the great talents emerging on the international stage.

«I supported Inter at the Club World Cup»

Ghoulam did not hide his fondness for the Nerazzurri during the last Club World Cup: «I supported Inter: reaching two finals in two calendar years is extraordinary. I also liked the way Inzaghi declared the three seasonal objectives. They deserved to win something. Now they start again with Chivu, and it's a question mark: a cycle has ended, and the team must adapt. Moreover, they have the most complicated path, but if they get through the first phase, they can aim high. For me, they remain the favorites for the title».

Napoli and doubts about the transfer campaign

Regarding Napoli, Ghoulam is more cautious: «I expected a little more from the transfer campaign. I don't know if they will be able to manage three competitions. It's true that the club has invested a lot, but the market is made of opportunities that don't always arise. Certainly, the team has great champions, and Conte is incredible: he performed a miracle by winning the title with a short squad and several injuries, and he continues to adapt his ideas to the players. Now he is making McTominay and De Bruyne coexist while maintaining balance. He's superb».

De Bruyne, Donnarumma, and the “destiny”

The former full-back also focused on Kevin De Bruyne's return to Manchester City's stadium, opponent of his former team: «Football sometimes offers incredible stories. I don't believe in karma, I'm religious, but it almost seems written: Kevin returns to the stadium where he made history, in his first and only match against City. And Donnarumma? He faces Napoli: I know he would have liked to play there, as a Neapolitan he cares a lot. It's truly a match of destiny».

«Yamal is a phenomenon, like Neymar, Cristiano, and Messi»

There was also space for emerging talents, with words of great admiration for Lamine Yamal, the jewel of Barcelona: «He lit up the screen: Mbappé and Haaland are extraordinary, but he is a phenomenon. We haven't seen such a technical and deadly player in one-on-one situations for a long time. He reminds me of Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Messi in their prime. And now I expect a lot from Wirtz of Liverpool as well».

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