Valery Kechinov, the former striker of Moscow Spartak and a member of the Russian national team, weighed in on Napoli’s prospects in the upcoming Champions League, expressing measured optimism about the Italian champions. He noted that Napoli are showing solid form in the current Champions League campaign and suggested that if the club can maintain leadership from its core players, the squad would have a real shot at competing for Europe’s top prize. Kechinov emphasized the balance and depth of the team, pointing to a blend of seasoned experience and rising talents that give Napoli a credible chance to progress far in the tournament.
Reflecting on Napoli’s recent fixtures, Kechinov acknowledged the misfortune of the Milan tie, mentioning that Napoli enjoyed favorable momentum this season up to that point. He noted that if Victor Osimhen had been fit for the first leg, the outcome might have differed, though he also highlighted that Napoli’s overall performance was more compelling than Milan’s during the clash. Kechinov pointed to key figures such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen, along with other leading players, as the driving force behind Napoli’s potential. In his view, the team possesses the necessary quality and cohesion to mount a deep run in Europe provided they stay fit and focused throughout the campaign. He described Napoli as a very serious outfit, capable of challenging the best teams on the continent.
In the latest Champions League draw, Napoli’s journey ended in the quarterfinals after defeat in the first leg and a 1-1 draw in the return match against Milan. Kechinov noted that the tie was fiercely contested and that the result did not fully reflect Napoli’s status in European football, given the quality of their performances in domestic competition and the clarity of their attacking intent. He suggested that the quarterfinal exit, while disappointing, should not obscure Napoli’s status as a leading force in Serie A and a legitimate contender in Europe, especially if the squad can retain its core players and continue to add strength in depth through smart recruitment and sustained development of emerging talents.
Napoli clinched the Italian championship with several rounds remaining in the league season, finishing the campaign with a commanding tally after 33 rounds. The club reached an impressive 80 points, a mark that secured the title well before the final weeks and underscored the decisive dominance of Luciano Spalletti’s side. Lazio finished in second place, a substantial margin behind Napoli, while Juventus trailed in third place with a substantial gap. Napoli’s title run was highlighted by a dramatic late draw against Udinese, a result that symbolized the consistency and resilience of the team throughout the year. The victory added another chapter to a storied club history and reinforced Napoli’s reputation as a powerhouse in Italian football.
Napoli’s triumph marked the club’s third Scudetto in its history. The Neapolitans last celebrated domestic glory in the 1989/90 season, a period defined by the presence of the legendary Argentine forward Diego Maradona and a cultural renaissance around the club. The modern era has seen Napoli build on that legacy with a blend of tactical discipline, fearless attacking play, and a growing sense of international prestige. Kechinov’s assessment highlighted how the club’s current generation is positioned to leave a lasting impact on both Italian football and the broader European stage, provided they maintain fitness, momentum, and tactical clarity throughout the season and beyond.
In reviewing Napoli’s forward line and overall strategic plan, Kechinov acknowledged the explosive potential of players such as Kvaratshelia and Osimhen, whose individual talents complement the team’s cohesive unit. The analysis underscored not only the players’ goal threat but also their ability to influence the tempo of matches, press defensively, and contribute to build-up play that stretches opponents. This combination of talent and structure, according to the former striker, makes Napoli a formidable competitor in any knockout tie and a credible challenger for honors across Europe, especially when the squad maintains its health and consistency over the course of a demanding schedule.