Nikolai Naumov, the former head of Lokomotiv, has shared his forecast for the upcoming Russian Premier League season. The veteran football executive believes that Zenit St. Petersburg is well positioned to claim a fifth straight title, while Pari NN, the squad from Nizhny Novgorod, may exit the top tier once the campaign concludes. Naumov outlined his thoughts after Zenit’s Premier Cup opening round draw with Pari NN, a match that showcased both teams’ strengths and areas for improvement.
With three weeks remaining before the season begins, Naumov stressed the importance of refinements in the tiny details that decide games. He expressed confidence that Zenit will not cede the championship to rival clubs in the new season, but he also predicted that Pari NN will bow out of the league by the end of the term. The former executive did not shy away from backing his stance and asserted that his position could be debated, yet his conviction remained firm after watching the season opener unfold.
The Premier Cup clash took place at the Smena SDUSHOR – Zenit Academy stadium in St. Petersburg. The main duration of the game concluded in a 1-1 stalemate, with Zenit ultimately prevailing from the penalty shootout, 5-3, after a tightly contested extra stage. The disciplined execution from the Zenit players during penalties proved decisive, edging them past their opponents in a match where precision from the spot was the defining moment.
Earlier in the week, Zenit announced Zelimkhan Bakaev as a new addition to the squad, marking his arrival just after the first round of the league. Bakaev entered the game at the start of the second half and was involved in the shootout, converting his 11-meter attempt to help his team reach the win on penalties. The debut added a new dimension to Zenit’s attacking options and offered fresh hope for Sergei Semak’s side as they prepare for the challenges of the coming season. The transfer’s impact may extend beyond a single match, shaping how Zenit plans to blend experience with the new talent in their title bid.