Consistency is key and Rafael Benitez's Napoli showed none of that in a tremendously disappointing season where so much more was expected. The Spanish tactician managed a 3rd place finish in his first season in charge along with the Coppa Italia which was an acceptable if not spectacular opening campaign. The idea now was to push on and really challenge Juventus for the Scudetto whilst making a greater impression in the Champions League. The latter of those goals was thrown out the window early as they were given a tough draw in the qualifying round of Europe's premier club competition and went out over two legs to Athletic Bilbao. The other target also never looked on the cards as their form in Serie A was very hit and miss. On their day, Napoli can be the most devestating side in Italy with the array of talent they have in an attack which boasts the likes of Marek Hamsik, Jose Callejon, Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and Gonzalo Higuain. However, it was defensively where they most failed which is rather surprising for a side managed by Benitez who has always been known for his pragmatism. However, he didn't exactly sign well in the summer in terms of his backline with Kalidou Koulibaly arriving from Genk and looking completely out of his depth at times. Whilst finishing with the third highest goal tally, the Partenopei incredibly conceded more than any other team in the top 10 of Serie A. The balance of the team was simply never right and never resolved. Despite all that, Napoli still went into the run-in with a chance of silverware and a Champions League spot again but they blew both opportunities. They went out over two legs to huge underdogs Dnipro in the Europa League semi-finals and then, when they had the chance to end the campaign on a high note, they crumbled at home in a final day decider for 3rd place against Lazio. It spelt the end for Benitez who already seemingly had one foot out the door and has staggeringly landed one of the most prestigious jobs in world football as he was named Real Madrid's new manager. Without Champions League football to offer, it remains to be seen whether whoever the new coach is to be can convince star names like Higuain to stay on for another season. This certainly is a group of players that has underachieved considering the funds that have been invested.
