A lightning strike at the end of the summer that failed to materialise; that was the scenario as Napoli tried to prize striker Leonardo Pavoletti away from Genoa. The 27-year-old has just returned from injury and returning to scoring form in last week’s 3-0 win over Milan and the vesuviani are back on the trail.
 

After the unfortunate injury picked up by Polish striker Arek Milik, Napoli have been considering a replacement and after Manolo Gabbiadini’s failed audition at trying to fill the boots of the big Pole, a new assault for Pavoletti in January could be imminent. President Aurelio De Laurentiis, who was put off by the €25 million asking price in the summer is reportedly ready to resume negotiations with Gabbiadini possibly being used as part of any deal.  

In January it will be time to see if Genoa is prepared to part with their player and if Pavoletti himself will accept a move to a club, where he would not necessarily be the number one choice. One thing is certain, Napoli desperately need a striker if they are to push Juventus all the way in this season’s title race.



By Giovanni Scotto. Translated by Steve Mitchell