Napoli Urged to Prioritize Zaccagni and Ndoye Over Lookman Despite Stellar Season
As Napoli look to bolster their squad ahead of the new Serie A season, Italian football expert Marcello Altamura has offered some transfer advice that may surprise fans of Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman.
Napoli Urged to Prioritize Zaccagni and Ndoye Over Lookman Despite Stellar Season:
Despite Lookman’s standout campaign with Atalanta—where he racked up 15 goals and 5 assists in 31 Serie A appearances—Altamura believes Napoli should instead pursue Mattia Zaccagni and Dan Ndoye.
Speaking on 1 Station Radio, as reported by Area Napoli, Altamura stressed that tactical discipline and team cohesion should guide Napoli’s recruitment strategy, especially under new manager Antonio Conte.
“I would probably choose the Zaccagni–Ndoye pairing, and I’ll tell you why,” Altamura said. “They are both strong and reliable players.”
He specifically praised Zaccagni for his tactical awareness and international experience, suggesting the Lazio winger would adapt seamlessly to Conte’s structured system.
“Zaccagni is not very young anymore, but he’s incredibly intelligent on the pitch. His international experience makes him a natural fit for Conte’s approach,” Altamura added.
Turning his attention to Ndoye, the Swiss international currently playing for Bologna, Altamura highlighted his explosiveness, technical skills, and—most importantly—his tactical discipline.
“Ndoye is a player I’ve always liked. He’s explosive and technical but also very disciplined,” he noted. “He’s not like Lookman, who might score a spectacular goal but often drifts from tactical instructions.”
Altamura’s comments suggest that while Lookman’s individual brilliance is unquestioned, Napoli may benefit more from players who can consistently deliver within a defined tactical setup.
Nevertheless, Lookman’s future remains a hot topic as the summer transfer window gathers pace. Napoli is reportedly among several European clubs monitoring the Nigerian star’s availability. The 26-year-old has drawn significant interest thanks to his consistent performances in both domestic and European competitions.
With new leadership at the helm and big ambitions for the upcoming season, Napoli faces a crucial decision in shaping their attacking lineup. Will they opt for Lookman’s flair, or follow Altamura’s advice and go with the balance and discipline of Zaccagni and Ndoye?
Only time—and the summer transfer market—will tell.
Conclusion on Napoli Urged to Prioritize Zaccagni and Ndoye Over Lookman Despite Stellar Season
Napoli’s transfer decisions this summer will be critical as they aim to reclaim domestic dominance and compete strongly in Europe. While Ademola Lookman’s explosive form makes him an exciting prospect, experts like Marcello Altamura are advocating for a more structured approach with players like Zaccagni and Ndoye, who bring tactical intelligence and consistency.
With Antonio Conte now in charge, the club’s transfer strategy is expected to reflect his demand for disciplined, system-oriented players. Whether Napoli opts for Lookman’s flair or the reliability of Zaccagni and Ndoye, the choices made in the coming weeks could shape the trajectory of their 2025/26 campaign—and determine whether they can build on their recent success.
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