Europe's Dark Horse

Every now and then, Europe is blessed with a team coming from nowhere, or breaking the mould, and shocking a domestic league, or competing in the Champions League. Last season, free-scoring Monaco beat off the cash cow of Paris Saint Germain to Ligue 1 and emerged as a real contender in Europe as they saw off Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund to reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.

In 2013, Borussia Dortmund reached the Champions League final under Jurgen Klopp and they won the the Bundesliga prior to the Bayern Munich treble under the recently out of retirement Jupp Heynckes. Although Dortmund had won the Champions League in 1997, this was still very unexpected, with the club showing their method in bringing in young talent and developing them into a formidable team.

But who is the team that could really dethrone the domestic kings and showcase their talent in Europe? Well there is one team who has got off to a flying start. Napoli have been a constant threat in Serie A for the last few years, as they, along with Roma, have capitalised on the demise of both Milan clubs. Last season saw Dries Mertens come through as a late bloomer as Napoli produced one of the finest front three’s in world football, with their 4-3-3 obtaining praise across Italy.

The Little Donkeys form from last season has continued into this campaign, with them securing eight victories from their first eight matches in the league, the only side in Europe’s top five leagues to still boast a 100% record. It’s not just their high-scoring forwards that take the praise however. Their midfield is starting to become one of the most balanced in Italy, with their joint top goal scorer of all time, Marek Hamsik, captaining the side from the middle of the park. They have many options in there with Allan, Jorginho, Diawara and Zielinski, and their defence is also strong with the in-demand Kalidou Koulibaly being very much a vital figure.

They have a good blend of youth and experience, which is perfect for winning trophies. The only problem for them is that they haven’t got huge amount of depth, which could cost them. They have Insigne, Mertens and Callejon with Milik as an alternative up front, but the latter spent the majority of last season on the sidelines, which left the rest of those having the pressure to deliver week in, week out.

They come up against Manchester City tonight, looking to compete at the top of their Champions League group, having already dropped three points against Shakhtar Donetsk in gameweek one. A defeat could see them trying to scramble to a runners up spot, which may see them against one of the giants in the knock-out stages. Their focus seems to be on domestic duties however, with them wanting to win their first league title since 1990 when Diego Maradona was their talisman.

The reign of Maurizio Sarri has seen them fight closely to Roma for second spot in Serie A in recent times, but Juventus have always been too good for them. This season however, Sarri seems to be ticking all the right boxes to be the club to knock The Old Lady of their perch, as Juve have already dropped points away at Atalanta and at home to Lazio. Napoli come up against the other impressive side this season so far, Inter, at the weekend as they hope to extend their 100% record. Inter are the only other unbeaten side in the league, just two points behind Napoli, on the back of their Milan derby win, after Mauro Icardi’s hat-trick secured all three points.

Napoli have got a long season ahead of them in order to try and break up the dominance of Juventus in domestic football, but this season could finally be the best chance for them to do it. This is starting to become the best Napoli team for some time, but they need to try and show something for it, and soon, with their players becoming in-demand and their star players Dries Mertens and Marek Hamsik now in their thirties. As exciting as they are, it won’t last forever and this next couple of years may be the only chance they get to rediscover that golden era with Maradona as their icon, and if they do win the league, Marek Hamsik may be seen as their new club legend.